DECODED

Decoded provides reliable, factual information and resources for young people—and the trusted adults in their lives—so they have the tools to make informed decisions about their health and futures. Originally launched as Cannabis Decoded in 2018 by the County of San Mateo, the campaign has evolved to focus on a broad range of substances. Decoded specifically seeks to address the root causes of substance use among youth by meeting them where they’re at, helping them understand their needs and motivations, and providing them with unbiased, non-judgemental information to access the support they need: no moralizing, no judgment, no sales pitch.

The campaign operates on a co-op model, enabling counties to share resources, extend their reach, and optimize funding by creating a single campaign tailored to each county's needs. Decoded provides a modernized approach to substance use education through innovative methods such as edu-gaming, healing through art programing, grassroots community outreach, impactful social media strategies, and a youth council that guides the campaign. The campaign is grounded in radical trust, ensuring its audience feels genuinely understood and respected. Rather than resorting to fear or shame, Decoded engages authentically with each individual's unique experience, fostering a supportive environment for meaningful conversations about mental health and substance use.