Too Smart To Start is a public education initiative sponsored by the Substance Abuse
and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) within the U.S. Department of
Health and Human Services. Through this initiative, SAMHSA provides research-based
strategies and materials to professionals and volunteers at the community level
to help them conduct an underage alcohol use prevention program. The materials are
designed to educate youth about the harms of alcohol use and to support parents
and caregivers as they participate in their children’s activities.
Too Smart To Start Objectives
- Increase the number of conversations between parents and caregivers and their
underage children about the harms of underage alcohol use.
- Increase the percentage of underage youth and their parents and caregivers who
see underage alcohol use as harmful.
- Increase public disapproval of underage alcohol use.
Too Smart To Start Communities
Many communities nationwide have implemented local versions of the Too Smart To
Start initiative, including Cincinnati, OH; Miami, FL; Knoxville, TN; Nashville,
TN (contains two community sites); New Castle County, DE; Newaygo County, MI; Noble
County, IN; Pittsburgh, PA; Portland, OR; San Antonio, TX; and Scott County, MS.
View their profiles
Too Smart To Start Materials
To obtain Too Smart To Start materials and publications, please visit the SAMHSA store.
Additional SAMHSA Information
Contact us if you would like further
information about Too Smart To Start.