November 2014 - In This Issue:
SAVE THE DATE TO CONTINUE OUR
COMMUNITY CONVERSATION ON THE RISKS OF YOUTH MARIJUANA USE

      TUESDAY, DECEMBER 2nd

4:00-5:30pm

ETHS W124

 


 
ESAP COALITION UPDATES

As October 2014 began our 30th year of prevention initiatives, the ESAP Coalition continues to make strides in the Evanston community. This month, we trained ETHS athletic coaches on signs of teen use and how to report use, provided outreach at the LAN resource fair, attended A Community Conversation on Empowering Youth to Prevent Violence, met with other Drug Free Community grantees in a state-wide meeting and held a General Coalition meeting. Alcohol Committee members met at the Evanston Library and collaborated efforts between the police department, high school and community organizations to prevent underage drinking in the area. If you are interested in these or other efforts, join the ESAP Coalition or become active in one of our subcommittees to make your voice heard!

ESAP campaign messaging in 2001...
...and in the community today!
UPCOMING EVENTS
11/18 |
Alcohol Committee Meeting

11/20 | Great American Smokeout

11/20 | Executive Committee Meeting

12/2 |  General Coalition Meeting

MEMBER SPOTLIGHT
 

Anna Landmeier is the chair of the Alcohol Committee for the ESAP Coalition. Anna is currently the Student Assistance Program (SAP) Social Worker at Evanston Township High School, working specifically with students and their families on issues related to substance use. Prior to her role at ETHS, Anna served as a Court Appointed Special Advocate for children in the juvenile justice system, advocated for children and women's rights, and worked with adults and their families at an inpatient substance abuse treatment center in Chicago.

Currently, in her role as the SAP Social Worker, Anna chairs a committee on substance use prevention among the high school population. Anna earned her Bachelor of Science at Northern Illinois University and Masters of Social Work at Loyola University Chicago. She is currently a Licensed Social Worker and Certified Alcohol and Drug Counselor in the state of Illinois.

"ESAP Coalition's mission is to increase the health of Evanston youth by preventing alcohol, tobacco, and other drug use through community-level strategies"
LOCAL NEWS
Tobacco 21 Reaches National Attention!

On Monday, October 27th, the Evanston City Council approved an amendment to prohibit anyone under the age of 21 from buying tobacco or liquid nicotine products. The amendment also outlaws the sale of tobacco products to those under 21. Aldermen voted unanimously to pass the proposed ordinance, making Evanston the first municipality in Illinois to increase the age. Reaching national attention, Tobacco 21 is gaining momentum for policy changes in many other communities across the US, leading to a proposed $2 billion loss for the Tobacco industry. Read more at Evanston Now...
NATIONAL NEWS
Substance Use Prevention is Suicide Prevention 
On November 22nd, people worldwide remember those who lost their lives during International Survivors of Suicide Loss Day.  The National Action Alliance for Suicide Prevention has released a statement about the significant correlation between substance use and suicide risk. In response, a strategic plan has been outlined to train substance use treatment staff to properly address concerns about suicide with youth. Prevention specialists will also work with families and communities to reduce access to drugs and other substances Read more...
 
Federal E-cigarette Laws are Difficult to Tighten
  
Although a majority of states have passed age restrictions on e-cigarette purchase, only six states currently recognize e-cigarettes as tobacco products. Experts say, definitions of e-cigarettes as "alternative nicotine" create large obstacles for tightening regulations related to marketing, location of use, and taxes. Lawmakers will most likely have to write regulations and tax structures from scratch, prolonging the process of improved e-cigarette policies.  Read More in USA Today...
COMMUNITY CORNER
Talk, they Hear You: How to Start the Conversation with Youth in the Community
Youth need a safe space to ask questions about drugs and alcohol without fear of judgement or punishment. Since substance use among youth can affect mental health, sexual heath, dating relationships, and violence, safety is most important. Since some youth do try alcohol and drugs, it is important to know when someone is in a dangerous situation or needs help to seek a trusting adult. Making a pact with friends and a safety plan with parents to leave parties with alcohol, marijuana or other drugs can be an effective way to stay away from dangerous situations that may occur as a result of drugs or alcohol. To start the conversation, check out these tips at SAMSHA...
 
             #drugfreecommunities            #facesofprevention
Contact Us
 
Karen Finstad, Coalition Coordinator
esapc.coordinator@gmail.com
847.951.0109
Visit Our Website
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This newsletter was developed under grant #SP016534 from the Office of National Drug Control Policy and Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration, US Department of Health and Human Services. The views, policies, and opinions expressed by the ESAP Coalition are those of its members and do not necessarily reflect those of ONDCP, SAMHSA, or HHS.