PENNSYLVANIA — Pennsylvania’s Department of Drug and Alcohol Programs (DDAP) Secretary Dr. Latika Davis-Jones and Department of Education (PDE) Secretary Dr. Khalid Mumin recently visited Central Dauphin School District (CDSD) to emphasize the importance of evidence-based substance use disorder (SUD) prevention programs. The visit also served as a reminder of the mental health resources available to students year-round, including during the holiday season.
During their visit, the Secretaries participated in a student-led mental health activity that included muscle relaxation techniques, breathing exercises, and an activity on positive messaging and developing coping skills. They were joined by students, school social workers, community prevention providers, and staff from the Dauphin County Department of Drug and Alcohol Services.
The DDAP oversees multiple prevention providers who facilitate evidence-based programming within CDSD and schools throughout Dauphin County. These programs aim to help students discover healthy alternatives to handle stress, develop coping skills, and understand how the body and mind work together under stress.
Among the numerous programs in CDSD are Botvin Lifeskills and Too Good for Drugs. Both are evidence-based, social-emotional programs that teach decision-making, self-esteem, communication skills, peer pressure refusal skills, and provide information on the harms of substance use. In addition, the Caron Foundation facilitates Project Connect and Care Together, vaping and cannabis cessation programs that teach students social-emotional skills and encourage healthier choices.
The Alcohol and Other Drugs Resource Guide aids schools in identifying their needs, selecting prevention programs, and implementing them. This guide outlines various programs, curricula, and supplementary programs. Best practices on choosing these programs involve using evidence-based, effective, and promising programs that are developmentally appropriate.
County drug and alcohol offices can provide prevention programs and materials that address numerous substance-related topics and help select prevention programs that best fit schools, parents/families, and communities.
School district data from the PA Youth Survey (PAYS) is an essential resource for identifying student needs and the factors influencing student substance use. This information can guide the selection of prevention programs. The PAYS How-to Guide is a tool to help in analyzing PAYS data. Local county drug and alcohol offices and coalitions may also assist in analyzing this data.
Just Five is a free online tool designed to enhance education and awareness about SUD. It is a self-paced program with six short learning modules that aim to increase awareness, reduce stigma, and provide education about SUD prevention and treatment.
The Get Help Now Hotline is a toll-free helpline that connects callers with treatment options and resources. The helpline is available 24/7 – including on national holidays. An anonymous chat service offering the same information to individuals who may not be comfortable speaking on the phone is also available.
More information can be found at ddap.pa.gov.
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