The cost of underage drinking hospitalizations

A new study conducted by the Mayo Clinic recorded that underage drinking hospitalizations in the United States costs $755 million every year. In 2008, 40,000 youth between the ages of 15 and 20 were hospitalized. More results from the study showed that 18 out of every 10,000 male youth and 12 out of 10,000 female youth were hospitalized after excessively drinking alcohol with the average age being 18. The areas of the United States where underage drinking hospitalizations are prevalent are the Northeast and the Midwest. Reasons for hospitalizations include traffic accidents, assaults, and fights.

To read the article, click here.

NIDA’s Easy-to-Read Drug Facts

The National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA) launched a new website called “Easy-to-Read Drug Facts.” The site was aimed for a 4th to 6th grade reading level and allows visitors to do the following:

• Learn how drugs can affect the body and the brain.
• Listen to audio versions of each page and seeing embedded highlighting of words being read.
• Watch engaging videos about drug abuse and addiction.

The site was based on research on adults with fifth and eighth grade reading levels and how they use web sites. But it is an ideal resource for anyone interested in learning more information on drug abuse and addiction.

 

Grant Announcement: Youth Tobacco Prevention and Control Program

Youth Tobacco Prevention and Control Program

Grant: To protect youth from the dangers of tobacoo use. Organizations providing countywide services that have a history of working successfully with state and local tobacco/drug prevention coalitions and with empowering youth and adults to organize and conduct community, workplace, and school activities may apply for funding.

Funder: Alabama Department of Public Health.

Applications that are mailed must be post-marked by Friday, April 27, 2012. Mail applications to the following post office box:

Betsy Cagle, Tobacco Program, P.O. Box 303017, Montgomery, AL 36130

Hand delivered applications must be delivered by 4:00pm on Tuesday, May 1, 2012, to the Tobacco Prevention and Control Office:

RSA Tower, Suite 1270, 201 Monroe Street, Montgomery, AL 36104

2012-2013 Mini-Grant Request for Application

If your organization is interested in applying for this funding contact Betsy Cagle at 334-206-3995.

Deadline: is April 27, 2012.

Study shows that film scenes with alcohol can lead to underage drinking

A recent study published in BMJ Open concluded that scenes in movies depicting alcohol consumption double the likelihood of underage drinking. The study was conducted over a two-year period on over 6,500 kids from the ages of 10 to 14, with results showing a proportion of the studied group increased underage drinking from 11% to 25%. Another conclusion found from the study was that when children in these age groups see scenes involving alcohol, they are likely to progress to binge drinking. Results showed an increase in binge drinking from 4% to 13% over the course of the study.

Although other factors are involved in underage and binge drinking, James Sargent of the Cotton Cancer Center at Dartmouth Medical School believes that, “product placement in movies is forbidden for cigarettes in the U.S.A., but is legal and commonplace for the alcohol industry, with half of Hollywood films containing at least one alcohol-brand appearance, regardless of film rating.”

To read the article, click here.

Houston’s death as an example of prescription drug dangers

  The recent death of pop singer Whitney Houston was seen as an opportunity to talk about the dangers of prescription drug use, according to R. Gil Kerlikowske. Kerlikowske serves as the Director of the White House Office of National Drug Control Policy. Houston’s cause of death has not yet been confirmed but she struggled with prescription drugs in the past.

“I think it is what we might call a teachable moment when someone passes – particularly as someone as highly thought of as such an incredible performer as Whitney Houston. We can use this as a moment to help people understand,” said Kerlikowske.

To read the full article, click here.

HHS’ CDC Releases Parent Engagement: Strategies for Involving Parents in School Health

The Centers for Disease Control Prevention’s (CDC) Division of Adolescent and School Health (DASH) announced the release of a new resource for parents and school systems called Parent Engagement: Strategies for Involving Parents in School Health. This resource includes strategies for schools that allow for increased parent engagement in school health activities. Parent Engagement was developed by researchers, public health practitioners, and educators.

Research was conducted on parent engagement and the results showed that “parent engagement in schools is closely linked to better student behavior, higher academic achievement, and enhanced social skills.” Parent engagement also allows for children to make healthier decisions like avoiding alcohol, tobacco, and drug use.

Source: Comprehensive Health Education Network Listserve: CHEN-L

 

New Deadline for STOP Act Grant Applications

The Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) has changed the deadline date for Sober Truth on Preventing Underage Drinking (STOP) Act applications. The new deadline is March 29. For more information on this change, click here.

Grant Opportunity: Pathways Out of Poverty

Pathways Out of Poverty

Purpose: Projects serving youth, the foundation seeks proposals that focus on improving student achievement and healthy development of young people of middle school age and above. Projects may include in-school and community-based educational programs, afterschool activities, and mentoring programs.

Funder: Herb Block Foundation.

Eligibility: Nonprofits with 501(c)(3) status.

Amount: Between $5,000 to $25,000 for one year.

Deadline: Letter of Intent due Feb. 8; Full proposal due March 22.

Contact: www.herbblockfoundation.org/programs/pathways-poverty.