DrugFreeAzKids News
CDC Calls Rx Drug Abuse an Epidemic
Deputy Director Dr. Ileana Arias from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention is one of the keynote speakers at the National Rx Drug Abuse Summit being held in Orlando, FL this week. Dr. Arias said, "Prescription drug overdose deaths in the United States have reached epidemic levels." Dr. Arias believes that success will come through collaboration with all stakeholders including law enforcement, medical professionals, state and national leaders.
Rx Turn in Event - April 28th 10am to 2pm
The Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) is hosting a Prescription Drug Take-Back Day on Saturday, April 28.This is a great opportunity for those who missed previous events, or who have subsequently accumulated unwanted, unused prescription drugs, to safely dispose of those medications.
Volunteers
Happy volunteer month to all who take the time to give back to the community. Here's a great little article from Abbie Fink of HMA Public Relations about how she has volunteered her time in the past and what she does today. Thank you Abbie!
Suggestions for Parents
Here are some parent party tips if your teen is hosting a party at your residence:
Help your teen plan the party. Invite only a specific number of people.
Have your teen pass out or send invitations, no e-mail invites, and try to avoid the "open party" situation.
List your phone number on the invite and welcome calls from parents.
Set the rules ahead of time; no alcohol, tobacco or other drugs.
Set a start time and end time for the party.
Let attendees know that if they leave, they cannot come back.
Alcohol Awareness Month - April
Every April is Alcohol Awareness month. It was founded by the National Council on Alcoholism and Drug Dependence, NCADD, in 1987. NCADD and it's Affiliates are out in the community with a purpose, to raise awareness about alcoholism. According to NCADD, "The disease of alcoholism is a family disease that is treatable, not a moral weakness, from which people can and do recover." So parents, be aware.
A Good Point Made
Here is a very good statement from Steve Pasierb from the Partnership at DrugFree.org regarding the toxicology report of Whitney Houston. Mr.
Progress, Promise, Passion Recognition Breakfast
Prevention works! We have made progress over decades. This week, we recognized those companies, individuals and organizations that have supported us. We are grateful to those who attended as we celebrated the Progress we’ve made, the Promise to prevention and the Passion that keeps our mission in motion every day. Feel free to take a look at our album from the event held at Snell and Wilmer.
Get Your Teen High School Ready
DrugFreeAz.org held a webinar last night for the Deer Valley School District on preparing for those high school years. Please feel to free to listen and watch the webinar. In it, you'll hear valuable information about current substance use trends, why kids use drugs and what you can do as a parent to help prevent underage drinking and drug use. The webinar is about 35 minutes in length. Click here to begin the webinar.
Another Teachable Moment
I found this great article on how to talk to your kids about substance abuse and tips to help them make positive choices. It's a quick read that offers some great teachable moments.
How to Keep Your Kids Drug Free
Check out our very own Shelly Mowrey in the kitchen on the set of Sonoron Living as she whips up some kid friendly calzones and tips on how to keep your kids drug free. Great tips, great recipe!
Health Plans
