Keeping Teens Drug & Alcohol Free in Bannockburn, Deerfield, Highland Park, Highwood & Riverwoods |
|
In this issue: Meet Officer Hyndman | Truth about Marijuana Webinar | You Got This! Campaign | NEW Parent Resource | 60 Second Conversation Starter | $1.25 Million Grant Award | Volunteer Spotlights
|
|
Meet Officer Hyndman
Passionate about Drug Prevention
The best decision I ever made was starting my career in law enforcement in 2004 after leaving the pharmaceutical industry. I took on the role of School Resource Officer (SRO) within the Highland Park Police Department for District 112 in 2015, and that is when my partnership with CTAD began.
As an SRO, I enjoy being a resource for families, students and school staff. My involvement with CTAD makes me especially passionate about educating the youth I serve about drug prevention. Red Ribbon Week is one such way I partner with community organizations like Lake County Health Department and CTAD. We plan to educate students on the harmful effects of marijuana on their developing brains through interactive games and chances to win prizes throughout the week of November 15-19 at Northwood Middle School.
Unfortunately, I have cases every year of kids ingesting alcohol, tobacco and marijuana products. My goal as District 112's SRO and as a CTAD board member is to teach kids about their brain development and the harm these substances can do if started too early.
I need your help as parents to do the same. I’m a firm believer in the research that shows when parents talk to their kids about their expectations, kids do listen! Check out CTAD’s parent guide for more tips on how to talk to your child.
Amy Hyndman
District 112 School Resource Officer
CTAD Board of Directors
|
|
Weeding Out the Truth:
Separating Out Marijuana Myths and Facts
Wednesday, November 17
7:00 p.m.
- What’s different about today’s new, highly potent marijuana
- Marijuana industry tactics in Illinois and what we can anticipate from other states
- What to do to protect your own teen
Join us for a lively discussion about the marijuana industry led by Kevin Sabet, a leading authority on marijuana who has served as White House advisor on drug policy under three different administrations. Kevin's new book Smokescreen is a remarkable and shocking exposé about how 21st century pot, today’s new and highly potent form of the drug, is on the rise, spreading rapidly across America by an industry intent on putting rising profits over public health.
Event is co-sponsored by CTAD and The Baha'i Community.
|
|
You Got This!
Recharge to Refocus
The latest You Got This! poster celebrates students who stay focused, increase their productivity and boost brain power by staying drug-free. Purposeful study breaks are great ways to recharge, re-focus and study smarter!
You Got This! public service announcements (PSAs) at Deerfield High School and Highland Park High School appear via posters, video announcements, hallway monitors and on t-shirts worn by staff.
Community organizations and businesses may also request posters to display in their buildings.
|
|
CTAD Releases New Resource:
Alcohol Prevention Guide for Families
Most teens say their parents are the #1 influence in their decision not to drink.
CTAD's NEW Alcohol & Teens: Guide for Parents & Guardians was developed by local parents for local families. It explores why some of our youth drink, risk factors for teen drinking, how to talk with your teen about drinking, and how to answer those tough questions, like "Did you drink when you were my age?"
Click HERE for more resources on talking to your kids about marijuana, vaping and safely attending/hosting parties.
|
|
Your Child Reacts... Now What?
60 Second Conversation Starter
When your child is faced with a challenge or opportunity is their first reaction to shut down, jump to a conclusion, or act out in some way?
Even though your child may not have control over their gut reaction to a situation, they do have the ability to choose what to do next.
- How do I feel right now? And why?
- What do I know and what do I need to know about the challenge or situation?
- Who can help?
- What do I want the outcome of the situation to be?
When you help your child reflect, they can begin to evaluate their reactions and move with small, deliberate steps in the direction they want to go.
|
|
It's not one 60-minute conversation.
It's 60 one-minute conversations.
|
|
CDC Awards $1.25 Million to our Community
The Centers for Disease Control (CDC) and White House Office of National Drug Control Policy recently announced $13.25 million in grants for 106 drug prevention programs across the nation--including Community - The Anti Drug (CTAD) Coalition. Each coalition receives $125,000 annually over five years as part of the Drug Free Communities (DFC) Support Program on the condition that the community provides matching contributions.
Because of CTAD's demonstrated success, CTAD was one of just 38 grantees this year to be awarded a second cycle of funding for an additional five years. Over the 10 years, the DFC grant is worth a total of $1.25 million. And with significant contributions from Healthcare Foundation of Highland Park, Township High School District 113, our partner organizations, many volunteers and individual donors to meet the match requirement, together we are investing over $2.5 million toward healthy, robust futures for our children.
|
|
Volunteer Spotlights: Olivia Alvarez & Yaneli Betancourt |
|
 |
Highland Park High School Senior Olivia Alvarez has been an outstanding advocate for CTAD and leader for Delta HP, where she is currently serving as president. Olivia provided testimony and spoke publicly at the Highland Park and Highwood hearings on marijuana dispensaries. She also wrote an article for this newsletter on her pandemic "quaranTEEN" tips.
How Olivia manages stress:
"I use planners to organize homework and my day. I relieve stress by playing sports and listening to music to calm my nerves."
|
|
|
|
Yaneli Betancourt, Highland Park High School Senior and Vice President of Delta HP, has been an influential leader for Delta and CTAD. Yaneli also submitted testimony and spoke publicly during the marijuana dispensary hearings. She contributed to this newsletter with healthy ways to celebrate the holidays.
How Yaneli manages stress:
"I manage my stress by going out with friends and playing golf when the weather is nice. I'm holding a golf ball that one of my friends broke from frequent use! Watching golf also helps me reduce stress and relax."
|
|
|
|
|
|
Be a part of our amazing CTAD team. Will you consider volunteering YOUR time, creativity and unique skills, or giving a donation? Learn how to make a difference by learning about our awesome committees! Contributions are tax-deductible to the extent allowed by law.
|
|
Text-a-Tip: 24/7 anonymous support for students who need help for themselves or a friend. To connect with a trained counselor, download the app "Lake County Help" in the Apple Store or Google Play. You can also text the code "224HELP" or "224AYUDAME" to 844-823-LEAD (5323).
|
|
Community - The Anti-Drug Coalition | 224-765-CTAD (224-765-2823)
|
|
Community - The Anti-Drug (CTAD) strives to build and sustain a safe and drug-free community where youth feel protected, confident and empowered to make healthy choices. The coalition comprises parents, youth, schools, local government, law enforcement, clergy and healthcare providers who work together to reduce alcohol, marijuana and other drug use among youth in Bannockburn, Deerfield, Highland Park, Highwood and Riverwoods, Illinois.
CTAD is a 501(c)3 nonprofit organization (EIN 451631475). Grants have been generously provided by the Healthcare Foundation of Highland Park and Highland Park Community Foundation. This newsletter was developed in part under grant number SP021482 from the Office of National Drug Control Policy and Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. The views, opinions, and content of this publication are those of the authors and contributors and do not necessarily reflect our funders' views, opinions or policies.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
