Recent Happenings

August 25, 2008

Contact: Abbie Vianes 801-535-7936

Press Conference to Launch ”Clean Out Your Cabinet“ Prescription Drug Abuse Prevention Campaign

Salt Lake City – August is National Medicine Abuse Awareness Month. Utah has one of the highest prescription drug abuse rates in the nation. The Salt Lake City Mayor’s Coalition on Alcohol, Tobacco and Other Drugs is committed to raising parental and community awareness of the dangers of prescription drug abuse and to provide proven ways to reduce it. Research shows that eliminating availability is the single most effective strategy for preventing youth from abusing prescription drugs.

Who: Abbie Vianes, Coordinator, Salt Lake City Mayor’s Coalition on

Alcohol, Tobacco and Other Drugs

Leah Ann Lamb, Assistant Director, Utah Division of Water Quality

When: 10:30 a.m., Tuesday, August 26th

Where: Foyer of Pioneer Precinct Police Department – 1040 West 700 South

What: More than half of teens who report abusing prescription medications say

they got the drugs at home, from a parent or a relative, or from a friend.

Teens and their parents have a false sense of security, mistakenly believing it is safer to abuse prescription medication than street drugs.

This issue demands the immediate action of parents both by learning the facts and safeguarding medications at home as well as talking with teens about this very real health threat. Adults are advised to inventory and

monitor medications in their homes, keep drugs in a secure location, and

properly dispose of leftover or expired drugs. Information will be given

on how to properly dispose of prescription drugs.

Speaking Points Text

Abbie's Remarks Text

Where to Dispose Meds.

Community Forum - Oct 24 - Drug Awareness Night

Springville parents and students filled the SHS auditorium at last week's PTA/Youthnet Community Forum. They came to learn - to find out more about today's drug culture and about the factors that can protect families from the tragedies that accompany drug abuse. They were well instructed by Brad Barham, founder of Pathways - Real Life Recovery.

Conquering drugs one family at a time

3rd Annual Youthnet Music Festival

Another great show. Thanks to the bands, our sponsors, and volunteers!

Click here to see more pictures

Community Forum - April 25 - Alcohol and Substance Abuse

Presented by
Utah County Substance Abuse Prevention

More than 150 students, teachers, and administrators joined the Utah County Substance Abuse Prevention team to share information and encourage healthy celebrations during this time of year when so many graduation and end-of-year parties take place.

"I've seen friends and classmates using and abusing drugs...

I've seen the devastating effect this has had on their lives" -- student

"I brought a friend who has a substance abuse problem

and hope he will see the dangers

and know how much he is cared for" -- student

"I want to be a positive influence for my friends

and to encourage them not to use drugs." -- student

Community Forum - February 15 - The Power in YOUth

Dan Shelley, Alan Curtis, Kevin Scholz