More Teen Maze Pictures...

As promised, the remaining Teen Maze pictures were posted earlier today at http://www.flickr.com/photos/7981148@N03/. If you were at the event on Tuesday, I'd like to invite you to share your comments and/or pictures via the blog or by emailing michaelk@co.yamhill.or.us. Thanks in advance!

Teen Maze Pictures Available Online

The Yamhill County Prevention Program would like to thank the 100+ volunteers who helped make yesterday's 4th Annual Teen Maze a huge success. We couldn't (and wouldn't dare) do it without your help! THANK YOU!! A handful of pictures are posted online at: http://www.flickr.com/photos/7981148@N03/ and I'll post the remaining photos as soon as we straighten out a few technical issues. Enjoy! :)

Yamhill County Teen Maze- You're Invited!

Prevention Study Buddies?

A.C.C.B.O. (Addiction Counselor Certification Board of Oregon) has announced dates for the Prevention Specialist Certification Exam: June 9th and December 15th. http://www.accbo.com/CPS.htm In addition, the state's Addiction Services Office can provide you with information on obtaining a NEW STUDY GUIDE for this exam. http://www.oregon.gov/DHS/addiction. A handful of people in Yamhill County are currently preparing for the test... Leave us a comment if you'd like to form a study group! :)

"Face it, Parents" Online PSA Debut

In November, the Youth Empowerment Squad (YES), in cooperation with the Oregon Partnership, created 4 public service announcements addressing the issue of underage drinking. The announcements range from 15-60 seconds and target parents as part of a larger, statewide campaign known as “Face it, Parents.” The campaign highlights the fact that one in three Oregon eight graders is drinking. YES' first PSA is now available online!
http://www.faceitparents.com/pagetwo.html. (We're "Ad Number Two"). All of the PSAs remind parents how important they are in their teen’s life and how they can prevent underage drinking by discussing the issue with their teens, setting clear boundaries, and being involved in their child’s daily life. The announcements currently air on radio stations KKCW 103.3 FM, KKRZ 100.3 FM, KIJZ 105.9 FM, KEX 1190 AM, and KPOJ 620 AM.

We're Recruiting Role Models!

If you know of a Yamhill County high school student (or current 8th grader) interested in making a positive difference in our community... send them our way! Applications for the 07-08 Yamhill County Youth Empowerment Squad (YES) are available on our website at: http://www.co.yamhill.or.us/prevention/Yes.htm. Reply to this post or contact michaelk@co.yamhill.or.us with questions and/or recommendations. Thanks in advance!

The Adolescent Addict

I just finished watching the 30 minute Adolescent Addict documentary on HBO... What a powerful way of bringing this issue to the attention of the "average" community member. Even if you don't have HBO, you still have access to the film series online! A link to one of the youth related clips is below, but the website includes several 5-10 minute videos that could be great conversation starters at home and/or in the classroom. Let us know what you think and please share this link with family and friends! http://www.hbo.com/addiction/thefilm/centerpiece/615_segment_4.html

Acting Surgeon General Issues National Call to Action on Underage Drinking

http://www.hhs.gov/news/press/2007pres/20070306.html

Parents: Do U KNW UR TXT IQ?

We always talk about the importance of parent-child communication and text messaging is one more avenue shouldn't be overlooked. www.prnewswire.com/mnr/cingular/25194/ Cingular has come out with a parent "TXT Tutorial." A portion of the pdf is advertising for Cingular, but if you can overlook this, there's some good information!

Text messaging can be a great option to keeping in touch because:
-Parents get a quick answer to their questions.
-Teens are more apt to respond to text messages when they're with friends and/or in an uncomfortable situation & need a way out.
-Texting allows you to enter your child's world.
-Texting lets parents compose & edit a message before sending.
-Texting vs. calling gives youth more space, but allows parents to keep in touch as often as necessary.

Texting FYI:
CYR MA- call your mother, CYR PA- call your father, PTB- please text back, RINGL8- running late, TTYL- talk to you later, DBL84DNR- don't be late for dinner, KIT- keep in touch.

Free Publicity!

Have a program or local event to share? Leave us a comment and we'll spread the word...

Choosing an Effective Prevention Program...

Want to know what really works in youth substance abuse prevention and/or need a refresher on "evidence-based" or "best practice" models? The links below are the authority on planning a program or project that will really work in your school or community. Send us a comment if you have questions or a good resource to add! Have a great day!
http://captus.samhsa.gov/western/resources/bp/index.cfm
http://www.modelprograms.samhsa.gov/
http://preventionpathways.samhsa.gov/default.cfm
http://www.oregon.gov/DHS/mentalhealth/ebp/main.shtml

24-hour Gambling Help (877-2-STOP-NOW)

Did you know Oregon has a Problem Gambling Help Line? The line is staffed around the clock by professional counselors with problem gambling expertise... Callers can ask questions about problem gambling issues of concern to them. When appropriate, counselors conduct brief assessments and motivational interviews. They can then makes referrals based on screening information, clinical judgment, and available resources.

While you're at it, check out the state's problem gambling page: www.oregon.gov/DHS/addiction/gambling.shtml. They have great general information, data and you can download new resource brochures and posters!

CADCA 07

Check out pictures from the CADCA Conference in Washington D.C.!

HBO's "ADDICTION"

Across America, communities are mobilizing to build on HBO's groundbreaking series ADDICTION, premiering March 15-18. Join Together, Community Anti-Drug Coalitions of America (CADCA), and Faces & Voices of Recovery have united with HBO to promote the Addiction Project, which helps Americans understand addiction as a treatable brain disease, spotlights YOUTH PREVENTION, new treatment advancements, and provides hope for long-term recovery.

Visit http://www.addictionaction.org/ to learn more about the project and find opportunities to mobilize your own community through house parties, Town Hall meetings, and other special community events already taking place in your area.