September 25, 2008
In this issue:
Training Opportunity - Healthy Brain Development: Key Impacts & Interventions
Healthy Brain Development: Key Impacts & Interventions will take place on October 22-24, at Eugene's Valley River Inn resort hotel and conference center. This regional conference will provide cutting-edge research, prevention strategies and intervention techniques to maximize child brain development.
Registration fees include all conference materials, all conference sessions - including 6 keynotes and choice of over 30 workshops, continental breakfast and lunch each day you are registered and continuing education credits and certificate of attendance.
Click here for more information.
New Data Show Drug Free Communities Program Significantly Reduces Teen Substance Abuse
John Walters, Director of National Drug Control Policy (ONDCP), released a National Interim Evaluation of the Drug Free Communities (DFC) program demonstrating its effectiveness in preventing substance use and abuse among teens. The analysis shows current substance use rates among high-school students (the number of high-school students who report consuming alcohol, tobacco, or marijuana in the past 30-days) within DFC communities are significantly lower than national rates.
Click here to read the rest of the story.
AFSP Suicide Prevention Walk
Every 16 minutes in the United States, someone dies by suicide. This year thousands of men and women will walk in over 100 communities across the United States, each contributing their voices to break the silence surrounding suicide.
By walking in the 2008 Out of the Darkness Community Walks to benefit the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention (AFSP), you will be joining thousands nationwide to raise money for AFSP's vital research and education programs to prevent suicide and save lives.
Click here for more information.
New "Lock your Meds" Campaign Accompanies Red Ribbon Week
The National Family Partnership has partnered with Alpharma Pharmaceuticals to educate parents and the public during Red Ribbon Week about prescription drug abuse. The campaign is called “Lock Your Meds”, and the purpose is to build awareness and to launch a call to action to parents and the public to address the growing prescription drug problem.
More than 3.1 million teens ages 12 to 17 report abusing prescription drugs. Click on the link below for more information on this new campaign including tips for keeping your child safe from prescription drug abuse and a home medicine inventory card.
Click here for more information.
Don't Miss: Internet Safety & Privacy - Practical Advice for Parenting Your High-Tech Kids!
Hear the very latest on what YOU can do to keep your family safe and informed about the ever-changing online universe. The training will be led by Shawn Marshall, Licensed Professional Counselor at the Children’s Program, a Portland diagnostic & treatment clinic. Shawn says “Kids aren’t as savvy when it comes to the unexpected ramifications of instant messaging, their MySpace page and all the other uses of the Internet. And that’s where informed parenting comes in.”
The Internet Safety training will take place on Wednesday, October 1, from Noon - 1:30 pm at Montgomery Park located at 2701 NW Vaughn Avenue, in Portland. Registration is only $30, 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.
Oregon Takes Stand Against New Alcoholic Energy Drink
The Oregon Attorney General's office has signed on with 24 other states to urge Miller-Coors brewing company to back off on an alcoholic energy drink called Sparks Red.
The state attorneys general say young drinkers are especially vulnerable because of their limited judgment and risky behaviors in driving and other activities.
Click here to read the rest of the story.
New Materials That Raise Awareness About Home Alcohol Furnishing Now Available
Free informational materials for parents and community members available at Oregon Partnership through the Face it, Parents campaign and the Oregon Liquor Control Commission.
Two posters are available encouraging parents to lock their liquor cabinets, and a reminder that it is illegal for adults to host underage drinking parties, even in their home. Bottle hangers are also available emphasizing that parental disapproval is the No. 1 reason kids don’t drink alcohol.
To order posters and bottle hangers, as well as tip cards for parents about raising alcohol-free kids, please contact Oregon Partnership at 503-244-5211 or 1-800-282-7035, or e-mail plabberton@orpartnership.org.
OLCC Needs Youth Volunteers!
The OLCC performs a very important function in keeping alcohol out of the hands of minors by conducting regular Minor Decoy Operations or Compliance Checks. But, OLCC is in need of youth volunteers to help. Youth under the age of 21 are needed in the Portland Metro area to help with compliance check operations. The youth are trained and monitored carefully by OLCC and local police. This is a great way for young people to offer community service, learn about law enforcement and do something about reducing underage drinking.
Click here for more information.
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.
