On May 23, KYCC’s Koreatown Organizing to Reduce Youth Opioid Use (KORYO) concluded its 2024 Youth Advisory Council, a 10-month youth leadership program. 

A project of California Youth Opioid Response (YOR California), KORYO is a collaboration between KYCC’s Prevention Education and Recovery Services programs, and aims to raise awareness about opioids and stimulants, and to increase access to treatment services among youth and young adults who are struggling with substance use disorder. 

Over the past 10-months, through youth workshops, community engagement, community interviews, and social media campaigns, the KORYO and YAC members aimed to reduce stigma surrounding substance use and treatment. KORYO Youth Advisory Council members completed a pre- and post-survey to collect data about their knowledge, skills, confidence, and experience in the program. 

As a result of participating in the YAC, 100% of students note that they are confident in helping their peers find the resources for opioid and stimulant misuse, and 86% state that they are confident talking to their peers about the opioid and stimulant use and addiction.

“KORYO has taught me that there are many factors that may lead to someone using opioids and develop a substance-use disorder,” notes one YAC member.

“I enjoyed the versatility of being a member of KORYO’s YAC in that we participated, engaged, and learned several different skills and techniques we can all apply in our everyday lives,” says another YAC member. “Whether how much they may relate to the topic of opioids and stimulants, I am grateful that KORYO has helped me to overall become a more intentional and thoughtful community member.” 

On behalf of the Koreatown Organizing to Reduce Youth Opioid Use (KORYO) Youth Advisory Council, we would like to thank KYCC’s Prevention Education, Recovery Services, and Koreatown Storytelling Program for your support. We would also like to thank Councilmember Eunisses Hernandez of Los Angeles Council District 1 for the city certificates!

If you or someone you know is struggling with substances and would like to talk to a counselor, contact KYCC’s Recovery Services at (213) 365-7400.