December is National Impaired Driving Month
Weekends and holidays can be dangerous times on our roadways. Two of the most celebrated days of the year, Christmas Eve and New Year's Eve, also are among the most deadly. That's why December has been recognized as National Impaired Driving Prevention Month.
In the 1980s, the United States saw a significant reduction in alcohol-involved crashes due to lowering the legal driving limit to 0.08 blood alcohol concentration, increasing the minimum legal drinking age to 21 and instituting educational campaigns about the dangers of drinking and driving.
However, for more than 20 years, drivers with alcohol concentrations at or above 0.08 have remained involved in about one-third of all traffic fatalities in the U.S. That's about 10,000 lives lost every year.
To reduce this toll, the National Safety Council supports:
- A national campaign educating Americans on impairment beginning with the first drink
- Efforts by states to lower the legal limit for blood alcohol concentration in drivers
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DEA Laboratory Testing Reveals that 6 out of 10 Fentanyl-Laced Fake Prescription Pills Now Contain a Potentially Lethal Dose of Fentanyl
The ORS supports collaboration between public safety and public health agencies at the regional, federal, state, and local levels, adopting a four-pronged approach for addressing overdose: law enforcement, response, treatment and recovery, and prevention. This report describes the current state of the overdose epidemic and outlines key strategies employed by the ORS in 2021 to combat this epidemic. The report also demonstrates the ORSʼ readiness to address other emerging drug threats, such as stimulants and benzodiazepines, as well as continued risks and challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic.
Use this link to access the entire article.
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President Biden Signs SAM-Drafted Marijuana Research Bill into Law
President Joe Biden signed the groundbreaking, bipartisan Medical Marijuana and Cannabidiol Research Expansion Act (H.R. 8454) into law. This marks the first time marijuana reform has been made into law in United States history. The President's signing comes after the House of Representatives and Senate passed the legislation by a 325-90 vote and unanimous consent, respectively.
SAM will commence a process of meeting with several federal agencies to discuss the implications of this new law, and SAM’s upcoming summit on April 20th will also outline what we can all expect.
The bill, which SAM helped draft and has supported for several years, is the first marijuana reform bill to ever pass Congress. The legislation streamlines the application process for marijuana research, encourages the FDA to develop marijuana-derived medicines, and requires the Department of Health and Human Services to report on the potential benefits and harms of marijuana use to Congress – all without altering marijuana's Schedule I status or legalizing the drug.
Use this link to view the entire article.
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December 20 Tobacco Free Tuesday,
10am – 11am
On December 20, the Virginia Tobacco Control Program will be hosting a Virtual Holiday for the last Tobacco Free Tuesday in 2022. You are invited to this interactive social meeting with cameras turned on (if possible!) to get to know our partners even better.
Bring a cozy cup of coffee, hot chocolate or tea. We encourage wearing holiday-themed clothing, holiday hats, or perhaps adding a festive virtual background. More the merrier!
There will be games (and prizes!!), activities, and lots of good holiday cheer. Help us celebrate the holiday season! Register Now
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Want to learn how to identify, understand, and respond to signs of mental illnesses and substance use disorders?
You can register for one of the Hanover Behavioral Health Wellness Team's Mental Health First Aid courses to learn these skills and more! They are offering virtual & in-person options, as well as Adult-focused and Youth-focused courses.
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Hanover Business Cares
Are you or do you know a Hanover business looking to connect with us and get workplace resources?
Hanover Business Cares is an opportunity for local businesses to support our mission of reducing substance use and misuse in Hanover County, thereby helping to maintain a healthy and productive workforce.
Please consider joining our efforts with a tax-deductible donation of $50 or more to Hanover Cares. To show your support, each participating business will receive a Hanover Business Cares window sticker, will be listed on the Hanover Cares website (hanover-cares.org) as a community partner, and will receive a folder of educational materials that can be shared with your employers and their families.
Businesses may send donations electronically here or by mail to:
Hanover Cares
9734 Atlee Commons Dr.
Ashland, VA 23005
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Support Hanover Cares
As a 501 (c)3 non-profit organization, Hanover Cares relies on the financial contributions of its community members. With your support, we can continue to provide prevention initiatives across Hanover County! You can support Hanover Cares while you shop for the holiday season on Amazon or while you get groceries from Kroger. Or, you could donate directly to support our mission through Paypal.
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Thank you so much for supporting our mission! |
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