Substance Abuse Prevention

Substance Abuse Prevention 

Red Ribbon Week is one of PTA’s biggest events.  In the past we have had “Say No To Drugs” Campaigns or Crazy Hair Day or Crazy Sock Day.  Research has found that these campaigns are not very effective. We encourage local PTA’s to spend their time and resources on programs and events that will count.  As the Opioid Epidemic and the Vaping Epidemic are so prevalent in our world today we hope that you will do year long campaigns rather than one week. Research shows that repeated messaging throughout the year will have more of an impact on our students.  We also encourage local PTA’s to encourage parents to TALK to their children about the harms of alcohol, drugs, and nicotine on the developing brain. Please send out resources and information to PARENTS as well as the STUDENTS. Research also shows that when having informational parent nights the best practice is to have knowledgeable experts in the field that are trained in Prevention Efforts.  Check out your local county Health Department as they have many resources, also your Region Director can help you find wonderful presenters.

Utah PTA Red Ribbon Toolkit

Resources:

Parents Empowered (Alcohol Related)

The Tobacco Talk (Vaping)

American Heart Association Vaping Campaign

How To Talk to Your Kids About Vaping

DEA Red Ribbon Toolkit (Drug Enforcement Administration)

2019 Utah PTA Advocacy Conference Presentation - E-Cigarettes & Youth

Ideas:

• Help with DARE or NOVA Programs
• Red Ribbon Weeks
• Establish Monthly Events/Days focused on Prevention
• Sponsor Parent Nights informing dangers of vaping, alcohol, substance abuse (please ask trained and educated presenters for these parent nights)
• Appoint a specialist to work in this area. Work with the district drug education coordinator and other health and community groups to address this issue.
• Check with teachers/principals to see how the USOE core curriculum objectives are being taught, and assist where necessary to arrange classroom presentations.
• Educate parents about the symptoms of drug use and the effects on the developing brain and teach them skills to communicate more effectively with their children.