Coalition receives grant to combat teen drug use, drinking

As of September 1st, the New Tradition Coalition received a federal grant to fight teen use of drugs and alcohol. The use of drugs and alcohol amongst teens has reached alarming rates. Seniors from the Lawrence Senior High Schools participated in the CTC Survey reporting that 49% have smoked marijuana at least once in their life and 36% reported consuming five or more drinks of alcohol at least two weeks prior to taking the survey. Lawrence has been announced as a beneficiary of the Drug Free Communities Support Program. Received funds will help to provide marketing campaigns and information to parents who host parties for underage drinkers as well as provide part time funding for Prevention Specialists in the Lawrence Senior High Schools. For more information the story is below:


http://www2.ljworld.com/news/2010/sep/02/coalition-receives-grant-combat-teen-drug-use-drin/

Red Ribbon Week!

Red Ribbon Week is here!! It is being celebrated in schools this week with different activities your students can participate in. Red Ribbon week runs from October 23rd-October 31st! Red Ribbon Week is a way for people and communities to unite and take a visible stand against substance abuse. So make sure you're asking your kids all about what they are doing this week!

For more information on Red Ribbon week you can visit this site:
http://www.nfp.org/

Prescription Drugs

Prescription drugs are becoming more popular so people are hearing more and more about them. They have become a drug of choice to many young adults. They are readily available in just about any household and that is being taken advantage of. Below is a Q&A session between Dr. Drew and the Nations Drug Czar about prescription drugs. Read it and find out great and helpful information.


http://www.theantidrug.com/advice/expert-advice/general-parenting/dr-drew-chat.aspx

Do You Have Family Dinners??

How often do you sit down with your family for dinner? According to the studies done by CASA it is important that you do this often to prevent substance abuse. Kids who eat with their familes very little are twice as likely to be involved in substance abuse. So start trying to make dinner a must for your family and you can help make a difference!


To read the full article click below:
http://washingtontimes.com/news/2009/jul/06/family-dinners-worth-the-time/

Anti-Smoking Bill

The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) will now be in charge of what tobacco companies are doing! The FDA will be in charge of what goes in to the cigarettes and can minimize the amount of nicotine used. No more targeting children, no more flavors, and warning labels covering 50% of the box are just a few of the great changes to come. This bill will help eliminate the many deaths as well as prevent young people from ever starting.


To read the full article click here:
http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/us_fda_tobacco;_ylt=AiETNGN4MkJAipBXf04LQR.CfNdF

Graphic Warnings on Cigerette Packages

What better way to give cigerette buyers a good piece of information then a graphic design? The World Health Organization(WHO) is recommending that tobacco companies put graphic warnings and designs on tobacco packages. Only one tenth of the world requires this, could we be next?

To read the full article click here:
http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2009/05/29/AR2009052900567_pf.html

Alcohol and The Media

You have probably seen a billboard or sign about alcohol today. What about a commercial advertising a type of alcohol? Alcohol is everywhere you turn, especially in the media and advertising. Did you know that the more you see alcohol in the media, the more likely you are to drink? According to a recent study viewers who watched movies and commercials with lots of alcohol in them drank more than those who seen no alcohol in their movies and commercials.


To read the full article click here:
http://freshstory.org/blog/freshstory.php?p=74&more=1&c=1&tb=1&pb=1#more74