Red Orbit, May 29, 2013
"Non-medical prescription drug abuse is on the rise in young people, and a new study from the University of Cincinnati could shed light on what could increase or lower the risk of such abuse.
The research team, led by Keith King, professor of health promotion, focused on 54,000 students – 7th through 12th grade – in the Greater Cincinnati area, including the Tristate regions of Ohio, Kentucky and Indiana. The data they used was from the 2009-2020 Pride Survey on Adolescent Drug Use in America, collected by the Coalition for a Drug Free Greater Cincinnati." Read More
Friday, May 31, 2013
Blackboard introduces plan that allows students to report bullying to schools via text message
The Washington Post (Washington D.C) May 29, 2013
"Students are getting a new weapon to fight back against bullies: their cell phones.
A leading education technology company on Wednesday announced it would give schools a free and confidential way for students to tell school officials via text that they are being bullied or are witnessing bullying. Blackboard’s TipTxt program could change the school climate — or reveal just how pervasive student-on-student harassment has become." Read More
"Students are getting a new weapon to fight back against bullies: their cell phones.
A leading education technology company on Wednesday announced it would give schools a free and confidential way for students to tell school officials via text that they are being bullied or are witnessing bullying. Blackboard’s TipTxt program could change the school climate — or reveal just how pervasive student-on-student harassment has become." Read More
Wednesday, May 29, 2013
Pot-laced treats may send more kids to the ER, study suggests
The Associated Press, May 27, 2013
"Increased use of medical marijuana may lead to more young children getting sick from accidentally eating food made with the drug, a Colorado study suggests.
Medical marijuana items include yummy-looking gummy candies, cookies and other treats that may entice young children. Fourteen children were treated at Colorado Children's Hospital in the two years after a 2009 federal policy change led to a surge in medical marijuana use, the study found. That's when federal authorities said they would not prosecute legal users." Read More
"Increased use of medical marijuana may lead to more young children getting sick from accidentally eating food made with the drug, a Colorado study suggests.
Medical marijuana items include yummy-looking gummy candies, cookies and other treats that may entice young children. Fourteen children were treated at Colorado Children's Hospital in the two years after a 2009 federal policy change led to a surge in medical marijuana use, the study found. That's when federal authorities said they would not prosecute legal users." Read More
Alcohol Brands Flooding The Silver Screens While Depictions Of Smoking Fall Drastically
Medical Daily, May 28, 2013
"In the marketplace of ideas that is the Hollywood film, teenagers and adolescents are seeing fewer product placements for tobacco and more for alcohol, new research shows.
Once a staple of the silver screen, scenes with smoking in youth-oriented movies fell by 42.3 percent in the United States between 1996 and 2009, researchers reported Tuesday in the June issue of JAMA Pediatrics. Tobacco placements also fell 85.4 percent in movies aimed at adult audiences, while the appearance of alcohol products increased in both." Read More
"In the marketplace of ideas that is the Hollywood film, teenagers and adolescents are seeing fewer product placements for tobacco and more for alcohol, new research shows.
Once a staple of the silver screen, scenes with smoking in youth-oriented movies fell by 42.3 percent in the United States between 1996 and 2009, researchers reported Tuesday in the June issue of JAMA Pediatrics. Tobacco placements also fell 85.4 percent in movies aimed at adult audiences, while the appearance of alcohol products increased in both." Read More
Tuesday, May 28, 2013
Dangerous new fad "alcohol smoking" has experts concerned
News 13 WBTW (Florence County, SC) May 23, 2013
"A dangerous new trend has many medical experts and addiction prevention teams working to spread awareness to parents of teens.
The fad is 'smoking' alcohol, which essentially involves people pouring liquor over dry ice and then inhaling the vapors.
The method has become especially popular with young people because it gives them a quick 'buzz' with fewer calories than the regular drinking consumption of alcohol." Read More
"A dangerous new trend has many medical experts and addiction prevention teams working to spread awareness to parents of teens.
The fad is 'smoking' alcohol, which essentially involves people pouring liquor over dry ice and then inhaling the vapors.
The method has become especially popular with young people because it gives them a quick 'buzz' with fewer calories than the regular drinking consumption of alcohol." Read More
Compliance with Conn. anti-bullying law questioned
Associated Press (Hartford, CT) May 27, 2013
"Roberto has put up with all kinds of abuse from his classmates over the years. The 18-year-old high school senior recently spoke at a state forum on bullying using only his first name, saying his tormentors have called him degrading names, pushed him around and thrown things at him.
He said school staff could be doing more to deal with the bullying problem that afflicts schools nationwide, and the state Commission on Children agrees with him. Commission officials believe many school districts aren’t fully complying with the state’s 2011 anti-bullying law." Read More
"Roberto has put up with all kinds of abuse from his classmates over the years. The 18-year-old high school senior recently spoke at a state forum on bullying using only his first name, saying his tormentors have called him degrading names, pushed him around and thrown things at him.
He said school staff could be doing more to deal with the bullying problem that afflicts schools nationwide, and the state Commission on Children agrees with him. Commission officials believe many school districts aren’t fully complying with the state’s 2011 anti-bullying law." Read More
New study shows childhood bullying increases risk of self-harming in later adolescence
News Medical, May 28, 2013
"A new study has proven that being bullied during childhood directly increases the likelihood of self- harm in late adolescence.
The analysis, led by researchers from the University of Warwick in association with colleagues at the University of Bristol, highlights that being bullied at primary school age can cause enough distress to significantly increase the risk of self-harming in later adolescence.
Almost 5,000 participants in the Children of the 90s study were assessed for exposure to bullying between seven and ten years of age and later asked whether they had engaged in self-harm at sixteen to seventeen years." Read More
"A new study has proven that being bullied during childhood directly increases the likelihood of self- harm in late adolescence.
The analysis, led by researchers from the University of Warwick in association with colleagues at the University of Bristol, highlights that being bullied at primary school age can cause enough distress to significantly increase the risk of self-harming in later adolescence.
Almost 5,000 participants in the Children of the 90s study were assessed for exposure to bullying between seven and ten years of age and later asked whether they had engaged in self-harm at sixteen to seventeen years." Read More
Thursday, May 23, 2013
Myths Debunked: Underage Drinking of Alcohol at Home Leads to Real Consequences for Both Parents and Teens
The Partnership at Drugfree.org (New York, NY) May 22, 2013
"While many parents may think that allowing their teens and their teens’ friends to drink at home under adult supervision keeps kids safe and leads to healthier attitudes about drinking, the truth is that there are serious negative consequences for both parents and teens. The Partnership at Drugfree.org and The Treatment Research Institute (TRI) today announced the launch of a new, interactive web resource for parents and caregivers to help inform them about one of those negative consequences: parents’ legal liabilities if they serve alcohol to teens.
Recognizing the value, particularly at prom and graduation season, of giving parents and caregivers free access to this important information, “Underage Drinking In The Home,” provides a state-by-state outline of the legal liabilities for adults who serve alcohol to minors." Read More
"While many parents may think that allowing their teens and their teens’ friends to drink at home under adult supervision keeps kids safe and leads to healthier attitudes about drinking, the truth is that there are serious negative consequences for both parents and teens. The Partnership at Drugfree.org and The Treatment Research Institute (TRI) today announced the launch of a new, interactive web resource for parents and caregivers to help inform them about one of those negative consequences: parents’ legal liabilities if they serve alcohol to teens.
Recognizing the value, particularly at prom and graduation season, of giving parents and caregivers free access to this important information, “Underage Drinking In The Home,” provides a state-by-state outline of the legal liabilities for adults who serve alcohol to minors." Read More
Bullying forum planned at Conn. Capitol
Associated Press (Hartford, CT) May 22, 2013
"Students, researchers, educators and government leaders are gathering at the Legislative Office Building in Hartford to discuss ways of addressing cyberbullying and bullying in schools.
The Connecticut Commission on Children scheduled a forum for Thursday.
Commission Director Elaine Zimmerman said she hopes the participants can obtain information about the steps they can take to create a positive school climate and how they can comply with Connecticut's 2011 anti-bullying law." Read More
"Students, researchers, educators and government leaders are gathering at the Legislative Office Building in Hartford to discuss ways of addressing cyberbullying and bullying in schools.
The Connecticut Commission on Children scheduled a forum for Thursday.
Commission Director Elaine Zimmerman said she hopes the participants can obtain information about the steps they can take to create a positive school climate and how they can comply with Connecticut's 2011 anti-bullying law." Read More
Governor Malloy Honored With William A. O'Neill Legacy Award
Hartford Courant (Hartford, CT) May 23, 2013
"Governor Dannel P. Malloy was honored by The Governor's Prevention Partnership with the William A. O'Neill Legacy Award for his role as a champion for children and for leading from the heart at The Partnership's Leadership Reception, held at the Governor's Residence.
The Legacy Award, whose past recipients include Dr. Susan Weinberger, Mary Ann Hanley, Thomas O. Barnes and John A. Klein, was created in 2008 to honor The Partnership's founder, Governor William A. O'Neill, who strongly believed that the state and private enterprises shared a mutual responsibility to protect our youth and ultimately protect our future workforce. The Legacy Award is given to individuals who have demonstrated great leadership and a lifetime's worth of work in protecting Connecticut's children while promoting the vitality of the future workforce." Read More
"Governor Dannel P. Malloy was honored by The Governor's Prevention Partnership with the William A. O'Neill Legacy Award for his role as a champion for children and for leading from the heart at The Partnership's Leadership Reception, held at the Governor's Residence.
The Legacy Award, whose past recipients include Dr. Susan Weinberger, Mary Ann Hanley, Thomas O. Barnes and John A. Klein, was created in 2008 to honor The Partnership's founder, Governor William A. O'Neill, who strongly believed that the state and private enterprises shared a mutual responsibility to protect our youth and ultimately protect our future workforce. The Legacy Award is given to individuals who have demonstrated great leadership and a lifetime's worth of work in protecting Connecticut's children while promoting the vitality of the future workforce." Read More
Tuesday, May 21, 2013
City of Hartford, Hartford Police Department, in association with the State of Connecticut Department of Motor Vehicles and the North Central Emergency Medical Council and Connecticut State Police Warn: Zero Tolerance for Underage Drinking at Concert Venue
DMV (Hartford, CT) May 15, 2013
"City, state and medical officials today warned that parents need to take stronger roles in curbing the underage drinking of teens going to concerts or risk the possibility of serious injury or death from alcohol poisoning.
The officials in an unprecedented press conference at the Hartford Police Department said that binge drinking and 'guzzling' alcohol has become so commonplace that they now are concerned about teens risking their lives. In the last few years emergency rooms at Hartford's three major hospitals have been overrun by teens brought in after consuming too much beer, liquor and other substances." Read More
"City, state and medical officials today warned that parents need to take stronger roles in curbing the underage drinking of teens going to concerts or risk the possibility of serious injury or death from alcohol poisoning.
The officials in an unprecedented press conference at the Hartford Police Department said that binge drinking and 'guzzling' alcohol has become so commonplace that they now are concerned about teens risking their lives. In the last few years emergency rooms at Hartford's three major hospitals have been overrun by teens brought in after consuming too much beer, liquor and other substances." Read More
Not My Kid: Most Parents Unaware Teen Is Using Study Drugs
Live Science, May 20, 2013
"Many parents are not aware that their teenage children abuse 'study drugs,' a new poll suggests.
In the poll, just 1 percent of parents said their teenage children had taken drugs such as Adderall or Ritalin without a prescription.
That is much lower than the percentage of teens that surveys suggest are using the drugs. For example, a 2012 study of high schoolers found that about 10 percent of sophomores and 12 percent of seniors said they had used the drugs without a prescription." Read More
"Many parents are not aware that their teenage children abuse 'study drugs,' a new poll suggests.
In the poll, just 1 percent of parents said their teenage children had taken drugs such as Adderall or Ritalin without a prescription.
That is much lower than the percentage of teens that surveys suggest are using the drugs. For example, a 2012 study of high schoolers found that about 10 percent of sophomores and 12 percent of seniors said they had used the drugs without a prescription." Read More
Alcoholism Linked To Drinking During Puberty, Says New Study
International Science Times, May 20, 2013
"Are teenagers who have their first drink during puberty more likely to become addicted to alcohol? A new study from Germany on youth drinking says yes.
Researchers at the University of Heidelberg found that the earlier someone starts consuming alcohol, the greater their risk of becoming an alcoholic. After monitoring the drinking habits of 283 young adults over a four-year period and noting their drinking behaviors at ages 19, 22 and 23, the research team found that those who started drinking earlier tended to drink more and more frequently later." Read More
"Are teenagers who have their first drink during puberty more likely to become addicted to alcohol? A new study from Germany on youth drinking says yes.
Researchers at the University of Heidelberg found that the earlier someone starts consuming alcohol, the greater their risk of becoming an alcoholic. After monitoring the drinking habits of 283 young adults over a four-year period and noting their drinking behaviors at ages 19, 22 and 23, the research team found that those who started drinking earlier tended to drink more and more frequently later." Read More
Monday, May 20, 2013
Prescription drugs: ‘No single solution’ to resolve addiction
Ridgefield Press (Ridgefield, CT) May 17, 2013
"No parent should ever have to experience the pain Ginger Katz has felt for the last 17 years.
'I get calls from everyone — parents with kids who have died, or who have overdosed or who went to rehab and relapsed— trust me, you don’t want to be on that list,' said Ms. Katz, the founder of Courage to Speak Foundation and a frequent speaker on drug abuse. 'You don’t want to know what this feels like.'
Her 20-year old son, Ian, died in 1996 from a drug overdose less than two weeks into his junior year of college."
"No parent should ever have to experience the pain Ginger Katz has felt for the last 17 years.
'I get calls from everyone — parents with kids who have died, or who have overdosed or who went to rehab and relapsed— trust me, you don’t want to be on that list,' said Ms. Katz, the founder of Courage to Speak Foundation and a frequent speaker on drug abuse. 'You don’t want to know what this feels like.'
Her 20-year old son, Ian, died in 1996 from a drug overdose less than two weeks into his junior year of college."
'Ladies Night!' College Girls Outdrink College Guys
Medical Daily, May 17, 2013
"On a weekly basis, more college women than men exceed the drinking recommendations from the National Institutes of Health, according to a Harvard study conducted at three New England universities.
The study found that 64 percent of women in college exceed weekly guidelines for alcohol consumption.
The National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism (NIAAA) recommends that, on average, women drink no more than three drinks per day or seven drinks per week in order to keep a clean bill of health. The "beverage ceiling" for men is less stringent and is set at four drinks per day and 14 drinks per week." Read More
"On a weekly basis, more college women than men exceed the drinking recommendations from the National Institutes of Health, according to a Harvard study conducted at three New England universities.
The study found that 64 percent of women in college exceed weekly guidelines for alcohol consumption.
The National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism (NIAAA) recommends that, on average, women drink no more than three drinks per day or seven drinks per week in order to keep a clean bill of health. The "beverage ceiling" for men is less stringent and is set at four drinks per day and 14 drinks per week." Read More
Teen Group Targets Underage Drinking, Risky Behaviors
Durham - Middlefield Patch (Durham-Middlefield, CT) May 18, 2013
"EDGE week will kick off at CRHS on Monday, May 20th and go all week long.
EDGE week provided students with information and activities all aimed at preventing underage drinking, substance use and other risky behaviors such as distracted driving.
There will be daily announcements at CRHS on teenage alcohol statistics as well as programs detailed below each day. EDGE week is developed and implemented by the EDGE club at CRHS. EDGE stands for Educated Decisions Guiding Everyday and is sponsored by The Durham Middlefield Local Wellness Council, Durham Middlefield Youth and Family and RSD #13 Schools." Read More
"EDGE week will kick off at CRHS on Monday, May 20th and go all week long.
EDGE week provided students with information and activities all aimed at preventing underage drinking, substance use and other risky behaviors such as distracted driving.
There will be daily announcements at CRHS on teenage alcohol statistics as well as programs detailed below each day. EDGE week is developed and implemented by the EDGE club at CRHS. EDGE stands for Educated Decisions Guiding Everyday and is sponsored by The Durham Middlefield Local Wellness Council, Durham Middlefield Youth and Family and RSD #13 Schools." Read More
Thursday, May 16, 2013
No Drop in Teens' Use of 'Smokeless' Tobacco
HealthDay News, May 14, 2013
"About one in every 20 U.S. teens has used "smokeless" tobacco products such as chew or snuff, and that rate hasn't budged since 2000, a new report finds.
Researchers led by Israel Agaku of the Harvard School of Public Health compared data from the 2000 and 2011 U.S. National Youth Tobacco Survey. The 2000 survey included nearly 36,000 students at 324 middle and high schools, while the 2011 survey included nearly 19,000 students at 178 middle and high schools.
The students were asked if they had used smokeless tobacco products such as snuff, chewing or dipping tobacco for one or more days within the past 30 days." Read More
"About one in every 20 U.S. teens has used "smokeless" tobacco products such as chew or snuff, and that rate hasn't budged since 2000, a new report finds.
Researchers led by Israel Agaku of the Harvard School of Public Health compared data from the 2000 and 2011 U.S. National Youth Tobacco Survey. The 2000 survey included nearly 36,000 students at 324 middle and high schools, while the 2011 survey included nearly 19,000 students at 178 middle and high schools.
The students were asked if they had used smokeless tobacco products such as snuff, chewing or dipping tobacco for one or more days within the past 30 days." Read More
Girl Scouts of the USA Launches Be a Friend First (BFF) Bully-Prevention Program for Middle School Girls
PR Newswire (New York, NY) May 15, 2013
"Girl Scouts of the USA (GSUSA) has launched BFF (Be a Friend First), a national bully-prevention initiative for middle school girls. Based on GSUSA's popular aMAZE! leadership curriculum, the program helps girls to recognize and intervene in bullying situations and lead positive change in their schools and communities. Sadly, statistics show that when a girl is bullied, 85 percent of the time nobody steps in to help her.
Additional research shows girls are more likely to bully others subtly, through relational aggression—manipulating their relationships with other girls online and off—as opposed to using physical aggression. The same studies also show that bullying behavior peaks in middle school, when the need for social acceptance is high, making this a crucial time to help girls learn to prevent bullying." Read More
"Girl Scouts of the USA (GSUSA) has launched BFF (Be a Friend First), a national bully-prevention initiative for middle school girls. Based on GSUSA's popular aMAZE! leadership curriculum, the program helps girls to recognize and intervene in bullying situations and lead positive change in their schools and communities. Sadly, statistics show that when a girl is bullied, 85 percent of the time nobody steps in to help her.
Additional research shows girls are more likely to bully others subtly, through relational aggression—manipulating their relationships with other girls online and off—as opposed to using physical aggression. The same studies also show that bullying behavior peaks in middle school, when the need for social acceptance is high, making this a crucial time to help girls learn to prevent bullying." Read More
Drunken Concertgoers Clog Hospital Emergency Departments
Hartford Courant (Hartford, CT) May 15, 2013
"The problem of drunken concertgoers clogging up hospital emergency departments has reached the level of a public health issue, a Hartford doctor said Wednesday.
Dr. Steven Wolf, chairman of the emergency department at St. Francis Hospital and Medical Center, along with Hartford Mayor Pedro Segarra and city and state police held a press conference to urge parents to take more action to curb binge drinking among young people at area concerts, particularly those at Comcast Theatre in Hartford." Read More
"The problem of drunken concertgoers clogging up hospital emergency departments has reached the level of a public health issue, a Hartford doctor said Wednesday.
Dr. Steven Wolf, chairman of the emergency department at St. Francis Hospital and Medical Center, along with Hartford Mayor Pedro Segarra and city and state police held a press conference to urge parents to take more action to curb binge drinking among young people at area concerts, particularly those at Comcast Theatre in Hartford." Read More
Wednesday, May 15, 2013
SAMHSA Kicks Off Media Campaign to Prevent Underage Drinking
Youth Today (Washington D.C.) May 14, 2013
"A.J. Senerchia started occasionally drinking in the 7th grade. When he began drinking regularly during the week, his family did not know what to do, he said at a Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) briefing Monday. He started to have emotional problems, became depressed and hostile, and was the 'black sheep in my family,' he said.
Now 22 and several years sober, Senerchia urged the audience, made up of advocates and government officials to treat underage drinking." Read More
"A.J. Senerchia started occasionally drinking in the 7th grade. When he began drinking regularly during the week, his family did not know what to do, he said at a Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) briefing Monday. He started to have emotional problems, became depressed and hostile, and was the 'black sheep in my family,' he said.
Now 22 and several years sober, Senerchia urged the audience, made up of advocates and government officials to treat underage drinking." Read More
Six Milford Package Stores Charged w/Selling Liquor to a Minor
Milford Patch (Milford, CT) May 13, 2013
"During the afternoon of Saturday, May 11, agents from the Department’s Liquor Control Division and officers from the Milford Police Department conducted a compliance check of all package stores and grocery stores licensed to sell beer in Milford.
Twenty-nine stores were tested for compliance with two volunteer minors trained and provided by the Governor’s Prevention Partnership. Of the stores tested, six allegedly failed by selling alcoholic liquor product to one of the youth volunteers." Read More
"During the afternoon of Saturday, May 11, agents from the Department’s Liquor Control Division and officers from the Milford Police Department conducted a compliance check of all package stores and grocery stores licensed to sell beer in Milford.
Twenty-nine stores were tested for compliance with two volunteer minors trained and provided by the Governor’s Prevention Partnership. Of the stores tested, six allegedly failed by selling alcoholic liquor product to one of the youth volunteers." Read More
Taylor Townsend Leads 12th Annual First Niagara Free Lesson
10sballs.com (New Haven, CT) May, 13, 2013
"American teenager Taylor Townsend, who in 2012 became the first American female since 1982 to finish the year ranked No. 1 in the International Tennis Federation (ITF) Junior rankings led, along with USTA New England, more than 300 New Haven youth in the 12th annual First Niagara Free Lesson, which introduces kids to the game of tennis and emphasizes the importance of fitness in their lives through an introductory tennis clinic.
Townsend, who won the Australian Open Junior Singles title and Australian Open, Wimbledon and US Open Junior Doubles titles in 2012, spoke to participants from 10 New Haven Public Schools who are part of seven New Haven-based mentoring organizations including Boost!/United Way, Boys & Girls Club, Squash Haven, Big Brothers Big Sisters, LEAP, Dwight Hall and New Haven Youth Tennis & Education about the mentors in her own life and how physical activity is vital for positive development in youth." Read More
"American teenager Taylor Townsend, who in 2012 became the first American female since 1982 to finish the year ranked No. 1 in the International Tennis Federation (ITF) Junior rankings led, along with USTA New England, more than 300 New Haven youth in the 12th annual First Niagara Free Lesson, which introduces kids to the game of tennis and emphasizes the importance of fitness in their lives through an introductory tennis clinic.
Townsend, who won the Australian Open Junior Singles title and Australian Open, Wimbledon and US Open Junior Doubles titles in 2012, spoke to participants from 10 New Haven Public Schools who are part of seven New Haven-based mentoring organizations including Boost!/United Way, Boys & Girls Club, Squash Haven, Big Brothers Big Sisters, LEAP, Dwight Hall and New Haven Youth Tennis & Education about the mentors in her own life and how physical activity is vital for positive development in youth." Read More
Thursday, May 9, 2013
Truancy Intervention Project Volunteer Alaine C. Doolan, Esq. Inducted Into Mentoring Hall Of Fame
Hartford Courant (New Britian, CT) May 8, 2013
"Attorney Alaine C. Doolan of the Hartford law firm of Robinson and Cole LLP was one of two honorees inducted into the Connecticut Corporate Mentoring Hall of Fame at a breakfast hosted by the Governor's Prevention Partnership at the Rocky Hill Sheraton on April 23. Attorney Doolan was recognized for her work as a volunteer attorney for the New Britain branch of the Truancy Intervention Project of Connecticut. The Project is a pro bono pre-court diversion program that matches truant middle school students with attorney volunteers in an effort to reduce absenteeism and increase school engagement. The attorneys commit to working with the students for approximately four hours per month for one year, serving as advocates, problem solvers, and role models for the value of education." Read More
"Attorney Alaine C. Doolan of the Hartford law firm of Robinson and Cole LLP was one of two honorees inducted into the Connecticut Corporate Mentoring Hall of Fame at a breakfast hosted by the Governor's Prevention Partnership at the Rocky Hill Sheraton on April 23. Attorney Doolan was recognized for her work as a volunteer attorney for the New Britain branch of the Truancy Intervention Project of Connecticut. The Project is a pro bono pre-court diversion program that matches truant middle school students with attorney volunteers in an effort to reduce absenteeism and increase school engagement. The attorneys commit to working with the students for approximately four hours per month for one year, serving as advocates, problem solvers, and role models for the value of education." Read More
Get Ready for National Prevention Week 2013
Reclaiming Futures, May 8, 2013
"SAMHSA’s 2nd annual Prevention Week will take place May 12 to 18 with the theme 'Your voice. Your choice. Make a difference.'
National Prevention Week is an observance created to increase public awareness of and action around substance abuse and mental health issues. It is an opportunity to join with others to prevent mental and substance use disorders by raising awareness and strengthening support for prevention efforts in our communities." Read More
"SAMHSA’s 2nd annual Prevention Week will take place May 12 to 18 with the theme 'Your voice. Your choice. Make a difference.'
National Prevention Week is an observance created to increase public awareness of and action around substance abuse and mental health issues. It is an opportunity to join with others to prevent mental and substance use disorders by raising awareness and strengthening support for prevention efforts in our communities." Read More
Urban Outfitters Controversy Brews Over Prescription Shot Glasses, Syringe Shooters
Huffington Post, May 8, 2013
"The latest controversy brewing in connection to the popular retailer is over 'prescription' shot glasses and other medical-themed drinking paraphernalia. Urban Outfitters is currently peddling shot glasses, flasks and beer koozies designed to resemble prescription pill bottles, as well as 'Syringe Shot Shooters' (so you can squirt alcohol into your moth instead of just drinking it).
But using prescription drugs as a fun, cheeky theme hasn't gone over well. The Partnership at Drugfree.org released a statement condemning Urban Outfitters for 'making light of the real prescription drug abuse epidemic that’s claiming lives of teens across the country.'" Read More
"The latest controversy brewing in connection to the popular retailer is over 'prescription' shot glasses and other medical-themed drinking paraphernalia. Urban Outfitters is currently peddling shot glasses, flasks and beer koozies designed to resemble prescription pill bottles, as well as 'Syringe Shot Shooters' (so you can squirt alcohol into your moth instead of just drinking it).
But using prescription drugs as a fun, cheeky theme hasn't gone over well. The Partnership at Drugfree.org released a statement condemning Urban Outfitters for 'making light of the real prescription drug abuse epidemic that’s claiming lives of teens across the country.'" Read More
Wednesday, May 8, 2013
New Mentoring Program Helps Set City Students on Path to College
UConn Today (Storrs, CT) May 7, 2013
"Two UConn cultural centers have partnered this semester with a Hartford-based community organization to launch a program that provides a taste of the university experience for urban youth.
The new program, Pipeline Connect, pairs mentors from the Puerto Rican/Latin American (PRLACC) and African-American Cultural Centers (AACC) with Hartford middle and high school students from 7th through 12th grades through Hartford Communities That Care. Together, mentors and mentees take part in various lectures, workshops, and other activities designed to prepare the mentees for the myriad requirements and pressures a typical college student will face." Read More
"Two UConn cultural centers have partnered this semester with a Hartford-based community organization to launch a program that provides a taste of the university experience for urban youth.
The new program, Pipeline Connect, pairs mentors from the Puerto Rican/Latin American (PRLACC) and African-American Cultural Centers (AACC) with Hartford middle and high school students from 7th through 12th grades through Hartford Communities That Care. Together, mentors and mentees take part in various lectures, workshops, and other activities designed to prepare the mentees for the myriad requirements and pressures a typical college student will face." Read More
Prescription Drug Abuse Continues To Hit College Campuses As Finals Week Rages On
iTech Post, May 7, 2013
"As students around the country gear up for finals week, many publications have focused on the ongoing issue of prescription drug abuse among college students. Drugs such as Ritalin, Adderall and Vyvanse are often abused by college students as they cram for finals. The stimulating and enhanced-focus effects of the drugs, prescribed primarily for people with ADD and ADHD are also seen as a saving grace by college students. At the Catholic University of America, an unnamed student was recently seen making the rounds of the library asking studying students if they needed 'any study enhancers.'" Read More
"As students around the country gear up for finals week, many publications have focused on the ongoing issue of prescription drug abuse among college students. Drugs such as Ritalin, Adderall and Vyvanse are often abused by college students as they cram for finals. The stimulating and enhanced-focus effects of the drugs, prescribed primarily for people with ADD and ADHD are also seen as a saving grace by college students. At the Catholic University of America, an unnamed student was recently seen making the rounds of the library asking studying students if they needed 'any study enhancers.'" Read More
Tuesday, May 7, 2013
National PTA and Discovery Education Join Together to Bring Anti-Bullying Focused Town Halls to Cities Across the Nation
Wall Street Journal (Silver Spring, MD) May 6, 2013
"Bullying has become an all too harsh reality for many of America's school children and one of the most pressing issues parents and educators face today. National PTA and Discovery Education are proud to stand alongside a nation of concerned families in pledging to take concrete steps toward change. In hopes of furthering the conversation, a series of town halls will launch beginning this spring to discuss bullying prevention and intervention as well as mental health assistance with students, parents, educators and other community members across the nation.
Announcing anti-bullying and comprehensive school safety initiatives as a top priority on his agenda, President Obama has challenged the nation to work together in empowering our children, educators and communities to find common solutions." Read More
"Bullying has become an all too harsh reality for many of America's school children and one of the most pressing issues parents and educators face today. National PTA and Discovery Education are proud to stand alongside a nation of concerned families in pledging to take concrete steps toward change. In hopes of furthering the conversation, a series of town halls will launch beginning this spring to discuss bullying prevention and intervention as well as mental health assistance with students, parents, educators and other community members across the nation.
Announcing anti-bullying and comprehensive school safety initiatives as a top priority on his agenda, President Obama has challenged the nation to work together in empowering our children, educators and communities to find common solutions." Read More
Focus on the positive: An assets-based approach to youth mentoring
Michigan State University (East Lansing, MI) May 5, 2013
"The media frequently tells us about the various problems youth face – juvenile crime, experimenting with substances, academic problems, gang involvement – the list goes on. It is easy for adults to focus on trying to solve these problems rather than focus on the positives. A strength-based or asset-based approach takes us from conversations that are centered on fixing what is wrong to conversations that are more hopeful and focused on building on the good that is already present. In many cases, problems are resolved as a person builds on their strengths." Read More
"The media frequently tells us about the various problems youth face – juvenile crime, experimenting with substances, academic problems, gang involvement – the list goes on. It is easy for adults to focus on trying to solve these problems rather than focus on the positives. A strength-based or asset-based approach takes us from conversations that are centered on fixing what is wrong to conversations that are more hopeful and focused on building on the good that is already present. In many cases, problems are resolved as a person builds on their strengths." Read More
Public Response to DEA’s National Prescription Drug Take-Back Days Keeps Growing
DEA (Washington D.C.) May 2, 2013
"The United States Drug Enforcement Administration’s (DEA’s) Sixth National Prescription Drug Take-Back Day this past Saturday collected 50 percent more pills than the previous one, demonstrating the American public’s continued appreciation and need for the opportunity to discard unwanted, unused and expired prescription drugs from medicine cabinets, bedside tables, and kitchen drawers.
On April 27, 742,497 pounds (371 tons) of prescription medications were collected from members of the public at more than 5,829 locations manned by 4,312 state, local, and tribal law enforcement agencies that partnered with DEA on the event. When added to the collections from DEA’s previous five Take-Back events, more than 2.8 million pounds (1,409 tons) of prescription medications have been removed from circulation." Read More
"The United States Drug Enforcement Administration’s (DEA’s) Sixth National Prescription Drug Take-Back Day this past Saturday collected 50 percent more pills than the previous one, demonstrating the American public’s continued appreciation and need for the opportunity to discard unwanted, unused and expired prescription drugs from medicine cabinets, bedside tables, and kitchen drawers.
On April 27, 742,497 pounds (371 tons) of prescription medications were collected from members of the public at more than 5,829 locations manned by 4,312 state, local, and tribal law enforcement agencies that partnered with DEA on the event. When added to the collections from DEA’s previous five Take-Back events, more than 2.8 million pounds (1,409 tons) of prescription medications have been removed from circulation." Read More
Monday, May 6, 2013
Mock Accident Shows Realities of Unsafe Driving
Oxford Patch (Oxford, CT) May 6, 2013
"Seymour and Oxford high schools teamed up Friday for the ninth-annual joint-town 'Take a Stand Day!' at Oxford High School.
The event focused on the responsibilities of safe driving, distracted driving and the consequences of mixing driving with alcohol and distractions. This program has received State and Federal recognition, including from the National Organization for Youth Safety for being proactive in the joint effort to promote the responsibilities of safe driving and combating teen underage drinking and driving." Read More
"Seymour and Oxford high schools teamed up Friday for the ninth-annual joint-town 'Take a Stand Day!' at Oxford High School.
The event focused on the responsibilities of safe driving, distracted driving and the consequences of mixing driving with alcohol and distractions. This program has received State and Federal recognition, including from the National Organization for Youth Safety for being proactive in the joint effort to promote the responsibilities of safe driving and combating teen underage drinking and driving." Read More
Prescription drugs: Apathy in the ‘resume generation’
Ridgefield Press (Ridgefield, CT) May 6, 2013
"Although it’s more clear how opiate addiction forms in the body, where the prescription drugs come from and when the “epidemic” became an issue in Ridgefield, what remains most nebulous is who the drugs are affecting and why a person would begin taking them in the first place.
First Selectman Rudy Marconi believes the opiate problem in town is just as much a youth issue as it is an adult crisis. But perhaps what’s most challenging is to locate the drug user who goes unnoticed — nameless, ageless, helpless." Read More
"Although it’s more clear how opiate addiction forms in the body, where the prescription drugs come from and when the “epidemic” became an issue in Ridgefield, what remains most nebulous is who the drugs are affecting and why a person would begin taking them in the first place.
First Selectman Rudy Marconi believes the opiate problem in town is just as much a youth issue as it is an adult crisis. But perhaps what’s most challenging is to locate the drug user who goes unnoticed — nameless, ageless, helpless." Read More
Wednesday, May 1, 2013
National Prescription Drug Take Back Day Saturday
Fox Connecticut (Southington, CT) April 27, 2013
"You should think twice before you throw those prescription drugs away, or flush them down the toilet. They could end up in the wrong hands, or pollute the water system.
April 27 is National Prescription Drug Take Back Day, where you can visit several locations across the state to drop off old prescriptions with no questions asked from 10 a.m.-2 p.m.
Previous Take-Back events have collected more than 2 million pounds of prescription medications were removed from circulation." Read More
"You should think twice before you throw those prescription drugs away, or flush them down the toilet. They could end up in the wrong hands, or pollute the water system.
April 27 is National Prescription Drug Take Back Day, where you can visit several locations across the state to drop off old prescriptions with no questions asked from 10 a.m.-2 p.m.
Previous Take-Back events have collected more than 2 million pounds of prescription medications were removed from circulation." Read More
Smoking Prevention in Schools: Does It Work?
Science Daily, April 29, 2013
"Smoking prevention in schools reduces the number of young people who will later become smokers, according to a new systematic review published in The Cochrane Library. For young people who have never smoked, these programmes appear to be effective at least one year after implementation.
Smoking causes five million preventable deaths every year, a number predicted to rise to eight million by 2030. It is thought that around a quarter of young people may smoke by age 13-15. With a history spanning four decades, prevention programmes in schools try to tackle smoking at an early age before the habit becomes difficult to break. The systematic review aimed to resolve the uncertainty of whether the programmes are effective in preventing smoking." Read More
"Smoking prevention in schools reduces the number of young people who will later become smokers, according to a new systematic review published in The Cochrane Library. For young people who have never smoked, these programmes appear to be effective at least one year after implementation.
Smoking causes five million preventable deaths every year, a number predicted to rise to eight million by 2030. It is thought that around a quarter of young people may smoke by age 13-15. With a history spanning four decades, prevention programmes in schools try to tackle smoking at an early age before the habit becomes difficult to break. The systematic review aimed to resolve the uncertainty of whether the programmes are effective in preventing smoking." Read More
Study Shows Increase In Teen Drug Abuse
Fox Connecticut (Hartford, CT) April 29, 2013
"A national survey released by The Partnership at Drugfree.org and MetLife Foundation confirmed that one in four teens has misused or abused a prescription drugs at least once in their lifetime. This is a 33 percent rise over the past five years. The Partnership Attitude Tracking Study (PATS) also found troubling data on teen misuse or abuse of prescription stimulants. One in eight teens now reports that they have taken the stimulant Ritalin or Adderall, without a prescription, at least once in their lifetime.
Mary Kate Mason from the CT Department of Mental Health and Addiction Services talks about the growing issue and shares prevention tips." Read More
"A national survey released by The Partnership at Drugfree.org and MetLife Foundation confirmed that one in four teens has misused or abused a prescription drugs at least once in their lifetime. This is a 33 percent rise over the past five years. The Partnership Attitude Tracking Study (PATS) also found troubling data on teen misuse or abuse of prescription stimulants. One in eight teens now reports that they have taken the stimulant Ritalin or Adderall, without a prescription, at least once in their lifetime.
Mary Kate Mason from the CT Department of Mental Health and Addiction Services talks about the growing issue and shares prevention tips." Read More
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