SAP Newsletter
The Council of Southeast Pennsylvania, Inc.
Red Ribbon Week
October 23, 2020 thru October 31, 2020
The first national Red Ribbon week began in 1988! It was formed to celebrate the life of DEA agent Kiki Camarena. It also provides communities the opportunity to bring awareness to a drug free life style. This years theme is Be Happy. Be Brave. Be Drug-Free. Click here for more information.
Fast Facts About Drug and Alcohol Use
- There is a link between depression and substance abuse
- Children and adolescents who use alcohol and drugs are more likely to have a substance use disorder as adults
- Alcohol is the substance most widely used by teenagers
- Teen substance use can be deadly
PAYS DATA from 2019
Since 1989, The Commonwealth of Pennsylvania has conducted a biennial survey of youth in the 6th, 8th, 10th, and 12th grades to gather information about their knowledge, attitudes, and behaviors towards alcohol, tobacco, and other drug use to help communities address root causes of antisocial behavior. Below is information pertaining to youth in Bucks County, focusing on questions related to Access and Willingness to Use.
- 39.3% chose "took it without permission from home, friends home, store, etc."
- 31.1% gave someone money to buy it for me
- 27.4% Friends brothers sisters over 21 provided it to me
- 42.9% of students chose "took them from a family member living in my home
- 38.1% a friend or family member gave them to me
- 26.2% showed a willingness to use alcohol (indicating they "would like to try it or use it" or "would use it any chance I got.")
More detailed information can be found in the PDF below
Ways to Celebrate Red Ribbon Week:
How Can I Help?
Continue to do your Red Ribbon Week Festivities even if you are all virtual!
- Incorporate drug prevention curriculum throughout your week. For ideas check out redribbon.org/curriculum
- Plan essay and poster contests about drug prevention
- Create theme days and coordinate fun and impactful prevention activities
- Invite parents and families to a special health fair or education program
- Organize a Red Ribbon Rally
- Add fast facts about substance use into your morning announcements
- Have an open conversation with students regarding the risks of substance use
- Utilize your SAP Counselor and SAP team to share information and help implement plans
Natural High Resources for Educators:
Engages storytellers who kids admire and trust. These storytellers created free and impactful presentations and resources for educators and parents. Their program is evidenced based and is up to date with current statistics on youth behavior, brain development, and social norming.
The program utilizes:
- Powerful storytelling's
- Tools to promote student engagement
- Positive Alternatives to drugs and alcohol
- Skills to live well
Check out Natural High for Educators: Click Here
For Parents:
Children of parents who talk to their teens regularly about drugs are up to 50% less likely to use drugs than those who don’t; yet, only a quarter of teens report having these conversations.
Talking and Connecting with your Adolescent
Natural High Resources for Parents:
This two step program summarizes substance use prevention. Clinking this link, will lead you to free resources to support what your child's school may be discussing. Having conversations at home helps your child understand your families morals and values.
Red Ribbon Fridays!
Resources
Drug Enforcement Administration
National Association for Children of Alcoholics
National Highway Traffic Safety Administration
National Institute on Drug Abuse
Students Against Destructive Decisions
Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration
The White House Office of National Drug Control Policy
Other Helpful Resources:
SAVE THE DATE: OCTOBER 24, 2020 BUCKS COUNTY PERSCRIPTION DRUG TAKE BACK
Below is a file educators can use to promote this event.