Above / We build too many walls and not enough bridges. —Isaac Newton
National Substance Abuse Prevention Month is an observance to highlight the vital role of substance abuse prevention plays in both individual and community health and to remember those who have lost their lives to alcohol and drugs. As many of you know, substance abuse has a major impact on individuals, families, and communities. These effects are cumulative, and significantly contribute to costly social, physical, mental, and public health problems.
Every day, far too many young adults are hurt by alcohol and drug use. From diminished achievement in our schools to greater risks in our roads and in our communities, to the heartache of lives cut tragically short, the consequences of substance abuse are profound. Yet, we also know that they are preventable.
Preventing drug use before it begins—particularly among young people—is the most effective way to reduce drug use and its consequences. The best approach to reducing the tremendous toll substance abuse exacts from individuals, families and communities is to prevent the damage before it occurs. Don’t just have one talk with your child, but multiple conversations about the dangers of drug use.
There are also local resources and web sites that can help you as a parent start that conversation. The Power of Choice, a local Naperville resource provides parents support, encouragement and guidance as they communicate with their children about issues around tobacco, alcohol and other drug use. They provide age appropriate information with programs in District 203 and 204 middle schools and high schools.
The Power of Choice is an effective, data-driven, outcome-based, ongoing, community collaborative project that recognizes the Power youth have to impact the quality of their lives by making Choices that keep all possibilities open for a bright future.
For more information visit www.thepowerofchoice.info or 360 Youth Services at (630) 961-2992.
The Collaborative Youth Team is another great coalition of local youth-serving organizations and agencies working together to promote and advocate the health and well-being of children, youth and families in our community.
With KidsMatter serving as facilitator, the Collaborative Youth Team includes various constituencies including social services agencies, recreational organizations, academic institutions, various community groups and local law enforcement. For more information on the Collaborative Youth Team and its efforts, visit www.kidsmatter2us.org/collaborative-youth-team or call KidsMatter at (630) 527-6562.
Until next month… Stay Aware & Stay Safe.
Addiction & Mental Health Concerns / 9-10:30AM Thurs., Nov. 9, 2017
Editor’s Note / On behalf of Good Shepherd Church, Kenn Miller informed us that the Naperville Police Department, specifically Deputy Chief Jason Arres, is reaching out to the faith community to bring awareness to addiction and mental health that the NPD cannot arrest the way out of these issues. The Good Shepherd Church Mental Health Awareness Ministry is partnering with the NPD to invite all Naperville churches to attend a presentation from 9-10:30AM Thurs., Nov. 9, 2017, at the Naperville Municipal Center, 400 S. Eagle Street.
The presentation will inform local leaders about Connect For Life and the Crisis Intervention Team (CIT), two important resources available in our community.
