Greetings! Here is yourmonthly update from Prevention First about programs, training, resources and prevention news from trusted sources.
"What lies behind you and what lies in front of you, pales in comparison to what lies inside of you.”
― Ralph Waldo Emerson
We are following the Executive Order issued by Governor Pritzker to stay at home. This means that while the Prevention First offices in Springfield and Chicago are closed, Prevention First staff are working remotely during regular business hours to support your prevention needs. Visit our website for resources and like/follow us on Facebook and Twitter. We are following the alerts and updates related to COVID-19 and will update our status accordingly.
For updates from the State of Illinois, click here.
While national figures show a downward trend in the number of young people who use alcohol, it still remains the number one drug for America’s youth, and is more likely to kill young people than all illegal drugs combined. That’s why it’s important to get involved in Alcohol Awareness Month, observed annually throughout April.
What can you do to take action today for Alcohol Awareness Month? Here are some ideas and resources to get you started:
Add information about underage drinking, binge drinking, or alcohol use disorder to your organization’s newsletter.
Post to social media about Alcohol Awareness Month
Host a month-long blog theme around alcohol awareness and be sure to market via social media. People can learn a lot about this issue and the local resources available.
As everyone else in Illinois, we are excited Spring is here!!
The Alcohol Policy Resource Center released a new Resource Guide on Special Events & Alcohol. Warmer weather brings more events where alcohol is the common denominator. This guide is available in hard copy or can be downloaded from our website. The guide is a great resource for communities that need assistance in best practices for hosting events where alcohol plays a role. As you work in your respective communities, please consider sharing this resource with those who are planning events. The APRC is available to do onsite training with law enforcement and community coalition members on Special Events Management.
Prevention First has released a new Resource Catalog for SUPP Providers that puts our wide variety of online resources in one comprehensive document.
Click the image to download the catalog.
The student advisory board is busy coming up with innovative ways to keep their peers engaged.
Click the image to view the video
Drug Take Back Day - Postponed
The upcoming National Prescription Drug Take Back Day scheduled for Saturday, April 25, 2020 is postponed due to the ongoing coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic. DEA will reschedule Take Back Day for a date shortly after the health crisis recedes and national emergency guidelines are lifted.
During this time, those seeking safe drug disposal options are encouraged to visit the DEA Diversion Control Division locator page.
Unprecedented times have brought families together. While the country shelters in place, this may be a good time to encourage parents have the hard talks with their teenage or young adult children. Below are some resources to help strike up those conversations while we have their undivided attention.
To better understand how to prepare and cope during the COVID-19 outbreak you can find
resources to support treatment and recovery service providers, people who may be using substances, people in recovery, and other allies. People using substances and those in early recovery have added challenges and risks during this time and should take extra care.
Prevention First
Online Training
Be sure to visit the online training events offered at Prevention First.
The technical assistance offered at Prevention First expands professional development beyond training to assist substance use prevention providers in applying what they have learned in their communities. Timely, flexible and provider-tailored technical assistance is available to meet the individual needs of providers. For more information about technical assistance or other services we offer, click Email Provider Services.
Recorded Webinars
at Prevention First
Perhaps you were busy during the live webinar...or didn't know when it was scheduled. We've got ya covered!
Check out the Recorded Webinar tab in the
SUPP Training Events. In each description is a link to the recording. Simply complete the registration and submit. The recording will begin and you are ready to go! NOTE: No CEUs are offered for recorded webinars.
Due to Covid-19, the 2020 Illinois Cannabis Symposium presented by Prevention First has been postponed. A new date and location will be announced soon.
Looking for additional prevention resources on vaping/e-cigarettes or marijuana?
AVOID - An evidence-based, online toolkit for youth vaping prevention. Published by KDH Research & Communication (KDHRC).
My Life My Quit - Cessation assistance resource, including live chat, centered around vaping, from National Jewish Health.
Real Risks of Marijuana - Downloadable Lesson plan developed by the National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA) and the Scholastic Foundation.
What is Known about E-Cigarettes - Online course intended for youth and parents on research around vaping, published by the Southwest Utah Department of Public Health.
