Substance use and prevention family session set at Cape High Feb. 12
The Cape Henlopen School District and Beebe Healthcare have partnered to bring an educational series to high school students, families and staff on the topic of substance use and prevention.
Funded by a grant from the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration and led by a team of experts from Soundcheck Prevention Network, the educational series will take place from Tuesday to Friday, Feb. 11 to 14. Students will have the opportunity to participate in small-group sessions during their physical education, health and drivers’ education classes. Discussions will focus on commonly used substances, short- and long-term effects on brain function and health, and teen brain development and vulnerability to addiction. Participants will see scientific evidence that shows addictive substances can negatively affect development, motivation and learning.
Free and open to all families in the area, a parent/caregiver session will be held at 6:30 p.m., Wednesday, Feb. 12, in the Cape High theater at 1250 Kings Highway, Lewes. The focus will be on critical prevention facts, and empowering parents to support their child’s healthy development and decision making. The discussion will explore why kids choose to use or not use substances, teach families to spot signs of substance misuse, and offer practical strategies for parents to achieve ongoing, effective conversations with their child about substance use and healthy choices. Content will be tailored to the distinctive attributes of the Cape community, and the opportunities and challenges young people experience today.
Similarly, staff will receive professional development at the yearly district-wide C3 conference set for Friday, Feb. 14. A workshop for secondary physical education and health teachers will focus on supporting them in their vital role of providing guidance to students, and learning to facilitate prevention discussions and to discuss new trends in drugs and substance use. Workshops will also be available to all staff and will focus on current trends, factors influencing use, prevention and warning signs.
“I’m beyond thrilled to launch this partnership with Beebe Healthcare, and to bring a valuable resource like Soundcheck to our school family,” said Kristin DeGregory, Cape Henlopen High School principal. “This program will not only provide information for staff and parents/caregivers, but will also act as an enhancement to our current health curriculum for students. We recognize that substance use can be a difficult topic to address, but we’re confident that Soundcheck’s approach will leave everyone feeling informed, confident and prepared to engage in supportive conversations.”
“Beebe is extremely pleased to be able to partner with Cape on this initiative. In healthcare, we tend to see the results of substance use when it’s become a real problem in someone’s life and has either manifested in physical or psychological symptoms. It’s important to understand how substance use can impact a young person’s development and be able to have informed, honest conversations around the choices we make,” said Bill Chasanov, DO, Beebe Healthcare chief health systems design officer.
To learn more, go to soundcheckprevention.org.
