RX Abuse Prevention Strategies Workshop: April 19th

The WV Prevention Resource Center, WV Center for Civic Life, and the Jackson County Health Department and Anti-Drug Coalition are pleased to announce another learning opportunity for WV’s prevention and wellness communities.

RX Abuse Prevention Strategies Workshop
Thursday, April 19th 9 am – 4 pm

This FREE workshop will provide participants with information, skills, and resources to combat RX abuse in West Virginia. Continuing education units will be available. In 2011, U.S. Attorney Booth Goodwin convened a summit on RX Abuse in WV. The action steps outlined in the summit report included continuation of the Take Care WV RX Abuse Prevention Social Marketing Campaign and “Take Back” opportunities for unused prescriptions.

More than half of non-medical users of pain relievers, tranquilizers, stimulants, and sedatives aged 12 or older got the prescription drugs they most recently used from friends or relatives, according to data from the National Survey on Drug Use and Health. The Take Care campaign specifically targets the “sharing” aspect of our RX abuse problem. It emphasizes the importance of not sharing prescriptions, because it is illegal and dangerous. The campaign comprises public service announcements, a multi-media website (www.takecarewv.org), community discussions, RX bags for pharmacies, and RX take back event planning resources.


WHO SHOULD ATTEND THIS WORKSHOP?
This learning opportunity is appropriate for addictions and prevention professionals, community coalitions, counselors, faith-based organizations, law enforcement, legislators, nurses, social workers, and anyone else who wants to learn/refresh their memory on free and publically available strategies for combatting RX abuse.


ADDITIONAL INFORMATION and REGISTRATION:
A detailed, printable agenda/information flyer and ONLINE REGISTRATION is available at http://www.prevnet.org/trainings.aspx. Please register quickly. Space is limited.

February Health Observances & Resources

Age-Related Macular Degeneration (AMD) and Low Vision Awareness Month
Prevention Blindness America

Hearth Month and National Wear Red Day (Feb 3)
American Heart Association
National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute

International Prenatal Infection Prevention Month
Group B Strep International

National Cancer Prevention Month
WV Comprehensive Cancer Program

National Children’s Dental Health Month and Give A Kid A Smile Day (Feb 3)
WV Dental Association

National Senior Independence Month
WV Bureau of Senior Services

Wise Health Consumer Month
American Institute for Preventive Medicine
101 Ways to Lower Your Health Care Costs

Congenital Heart Defect Awareness Week (Feb 7 – 14)
Congenital Heart Information Network

National Donor Day (Feb 14)
Center for Organ Recovery and Education
Donate Life WV – Organ Donor Registry


SOURCES: National Health Information Center; National Wellness Institute

Financial Fitness in 2012

Some of the most common New Year’s resolutions involve money. Reducing debt, increasing savings, and investing smarter are often at the top of our lists. On the current edition of Prevention West Virginia, Patricia Scott from the Kanawha Institute for Social Research and Action shares advice on saving, borrowing, and investing. Additional information about Prevention WV, including show times and locations, is available at http://www.prevnet.org/preventionwvTV/default.aspx.

January 2012 Health Observances

•Cervical Health Awareness Month
•National Birth Defects Prevention Month
•National Glaucoma Awareness Month
•National Radon Action Month
•National Stalking Awareness Month
•Thyroid Awareness Month
•National Folic Acid Awareness Week (Jan 8-14)


Sources: National Health Information Center, Wellness Council of America

Early Intervention Program Reduces Youth Substance Abuse in WV

A pilot program in Logan and Mercer counties is cutting down on youth substance abuse in the Mountain State. WV’s Substance Abuse Early Intervention Program (EIP) targets youth ages 12-18 who have just begun to use alcohol, tobacco, or other substances and/or are engaging in delinquent behavior often associated with substance use.

Since its inception in 2010, 65 youth have completed the program, which enhances accurate understanding of the risks of alcohol, tobacco, & other drug (ATOD) use and develops ATOD refusal skills. The program also provides an alternative option for youth who may be on their way into the juvenile justice system.

“WV’s Early Intervention Program is appropriate for youth who fall BETWEEN the stages of needing primary prevention services and those who need actual substance abuse treatment,” says Jamie Albert, WV EIP Statewide Coordinator. “Youth in need of counseling, therapy or other treatment services are NOT appropriate candidates for the EIP.”

Youth are referred to the local programs by the WV Department of Health & Human Resources (WV DHHR), school personnel, the court system, and parents. EIP Specialists conduct a screening assessment with referred youth to confirm eligibility to participate. Youth who opt to participate and their parents attend separate two-hour orientation sessions. Youth then experience a 12 hour evidence-based prevention education course. Classes are usually six two-hour sessions over a two week period. The curriculum addresses the consequences of substance use and decision making skills. A parenting and wellness workshop is also available to parents.

WV’s EIP is based on a similar statewide initiative in Kentucky, which has proven to prevent teen substance use. A recent evaluation report on the pilot programs in Logan and Mercer counties confirms increased risk perceptions of substance abuse, increased disapproval substance abuse, and decreased intentions to further
use drugs. The report is available at http://www.prevnet.org/earlyintervention/default.aspx.

WV’s EIP is funded by Drug Free WV grants (Purdue Pharma Asset Forfeiture Funds) and a federal Projects of Regional and National Significance grant. The program is administered by the WV Prevention Resource Center, an affiliate of Marshall University. Local contractors facilitate the EIP at the county level.

December Health Observances

World AIDS Day (December 1)
WV Division of STD, HIV, Hepatitis
www.dhhr.wv.gov/oeps/std-hiv-hep/Pages/default.aspx

National Handwashing Awareness Week (December 4-10)

Safe Toys & Gifts Month

National Drunk and Drugged Driving (3D) Prevention Month

Stay safe this holiday season.
•Designate a sober driver before celebrations begin.
•Never serve those under the age of 21 alcohol.
•Plan safe parties, including providing non-alcoholic drink options to guests and not serving alcohol the last hour of the gathering.
•Be prepared to get everyone home safe in case your plans or individual circumstances change.

Sources: National Health Information Center; Wellness Council of America; Mothers Against Drunk Driving

Building Communities Through Green & Sustainable Jobs

Currently on Prevention WV...

Going green isn’t JUST about recycling plastic bottles and newspaper. Green initiatives also mean community development, because they strive to improve community well-being. Sarah Halstead Boland joins me on the current edition of Prevention West Virginia to discuss West Virginia GreenWorks an organization that strives to create sustainable green jobs in local communities.

Additional information about Prevention WV, including show times and locations, is available at http://www.prevnet.org/preventionwvTV/default.aspx.