BLUEFIELD, W.Va. – The Community Connections Anti-Drug Bug debuts at Princeton Primary School’s Student health fair Thursday.
The initiative, in partnership with the Mercer County Coalition for Healthy Communities, uses a fun and engaging approach to spread awareness about the dangers of substance abuse.
The eye-catching design is meant to grab attention while delivering an important message to students and families.
Candace Harless, the Program & Clinical Director at Community Connections, says, “So, when you’re doing substance use prevention, you’re trying to find initiatives and unique ways to get kids involved and interested in it. We just thought this would be one of the fun ways to get them interested because when you see a punch buggy, you kind of get excited. Kids love that and then when you see a really cool car with a design, it also gets attention from the community. We just tried to put those messages to get together and get the kids involved that way just by bringing something bright and exciting to the community.”
Students got the chance to interact with the Anti-Drug Bug, participate in activities, and learn how to make healthy choices. Organizers say this initiative goes beyond a simple “don’t do drugs” message—it’s about creating conversations that empower kids to make informed decisions.
Keith Bowling, the community development partner of Aetna Better Health of WV, says, “I think they’re pretty excited about it and I think the message that it presents to them is a little bit unique. Instead of just saying don’t do drugs, there’s actually a message behind the car that they can talk to the kids about the importance of avoiding those substances as they grow up and as they’re introduced to those things and being asked to try those things, that hopefully they will find the courage to be able to say no and not go down that path where they’re using those items.”
For more information about the Anti-Drug Bug or other prevention programs, visit their website or follow the Anti-Drug Bug on Facebook.
Copyright 2025 WVVA. All rights reserved.