December 4, 2008
In this issue:
Overcoming Challenges for Our Returning Soldiers and Veterans - Treatment, Assistance, and Compassion
For the men and women returning from Iraq and Afghanistan who are silently suffering from the symptoms of post traumatic stress disorder, traumatic brain injury, depression, and substance abuse, receiving timely diagnosis and treatment is critical. A panel of experts will provide their professional insights for providers, families, military personnel and caring citizens.
The panel takes place on Wednesday, December 10, from Noon - 2:00 pm at Montgomery Park located at 2701 NW Vaughn Avenue, in Portland. Registration is $50, including lunch and free parking.
To register, email Danny Slifman or call 503-244-5211.
Click here for more information.
Click here to download the training flyer.
Study: Paying More for Alcohol Saves Lives
Higher taxes on alcohol can make a night out more expensive but could save lives, according to a study released this month. According to a study published in the American Journal of Public Health, each time the state of Alaska raised its alcoholic beverage tax, fewer deaths were caused by or related to alcohol, according to the study that examined 28 years of data.
Click here to read the rest of the article.
New Report on Depression and Treatment Among Veterans
Recent research indicates that an estimated 25 to 30 percent of the veterans of the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan have reported symptoms of a mental disorder or cognitive condition. Untreated mental health problems can result in long-term negative consequences for the affected individuals, their families, their communities, and our nation.
Substance Abuse Prevention Scholarship Awards Teens
Oregon Partnership invites you to the Laura Mersereau Memorial Essay Contest Awards Ceremony on December 11, 2008 at 11:00 A.M. in the Portland City Hall Atrium located at 1221 SW 4th Ave.
Laura Mersereau Pressnall was a vibrant young woman who died at age 46 due to physical complications from a quarter-century battle with drugs and alcohol. Her older brother, Brad, fondly remembers her as a freckle-faced and ginger-haired high school senior with an open smile.
In the spirit of Laura, Brad created the Laura Mersereau Award and teamed up with Oregon Partnership to hold an essay contest and offer a scholarship to high school students.
Parents Underestimate Teens Access to Prescription Drugs
Parents underestimate how easy it is for teens to get prescription drugs. 19% of teens say that getting prescription drugs is the easiest, while only 8% of parents said that these drugs were the easiest for teens to buy.
The prescription drug findings are particularly concerning given the recent research showing that teens are using prescription drugs and that these drugs are can be bought on the internet without a prescription.
Tigard High Schoolers Pledge to Live Substance-Free
The Tigard High School club STUD (Stop Tigard Underage Drinking) held a "Drug-Free Pledge Drive" during Red Ribbon Week in hopes of raising awareness about underage drinking and the virtues of staying away from alcohol and drugs. Member and junior Erika Boudreau-Barbee expected only a few dozen students to pledge and was shocked when more than 100 students offered their handprints and names within a couple of hours.
Click here to read the rest of the story.
Do you have information to share with your prevention colleagues around the state? Please send to: dslifman@orpartnership.org.
Thank you for your continued support of this publication.
