Alcohol
Call Mary at 686-0295.
Welcome
Thank you for visiting the Santa Ynez Valley Youth Coalition web site. We encourage you to return to the site often as a resource and as way to share concerns and information with others through our Coalition Blog, where entries can be shared on an ongoing basis.
NATIONAL RED RIBBON WEEK - October 24th - 30th, 2011
Red Ribbon Week, the oldest and largest drug prevention program in the Nation, is a way for people and communities to unite and take a visible stand against drugs. This year's theme, "It's Up to Me To Be Drug Free," reminds us that we each share individual responsibility in creating a drug-free environment.
Sign the Red Ribbon Pledge and spread the word to friends and family by forwarding this email. Our children have the right to grow up drug free - and we have the responsibility to make that happen!
Show your commitment to creating a drug free environment by taking action now.
Did you know that youth still report that the strongest deterent from using alcohol and other drugs is their parents. TALK to your children. Let them know of the dangers and be the reason they say NO!
Join others across the Nation and take the Red Ribbon Pledge:
1. As parents, we will talk to our children about the dangers of drug abuse.
2. We will set clear rules for our children about not using drugs.
3. We will set a good example for our children by not using illegal drugs or medicine without a prescription.
4. We will monitor our children's behavior and enforce appropriate consequences, so that our rules are respected.
5. We will encourage family and friends to follow the same guidelines to keep children safe from substance abuse.
You Hold the Key to Your Child's Drug-Free Future
Prescription drug abuse is still a huge concern and may very soon be the #1 drug of choice for teens.
Review the following guidelines for prescription drug abuse prevention and discuss them with family & friends.
- LOCK YOUR MEDS
Prevent your children from abusing your own medication by securing your meds in places your child cannot access.
- TAKE INVENTORY
Download your Home Medicine Inventory Card, write down the name and amount of medications you currently have and regularly check to see that nothing is missing.
- EDUCATE YOURSELF & YOUR CHILD
Learn about the most commonly abused types of prescription medications (pain relievers, sedatives, stimulants and tranquilizers). Then, communicate the dangers to your child regularly; once is not enough.
- SET CLEAR RULES & MONITOR BEHAVIOR
Express your disapproval of using prescription drugs without a prescription. Monitor your child's behavior to ensure that the rules are being followed.
- PASS IT ON
Share your knowledge, experience and support with the parents of your child's friends. Together, you can create a tipping point for change and raise safe, healthy and drug-free children.
- PROPERLY DISPOSE OF OLD AND UNUSED MEDICATIONS
Official drop off boxes are located infront of the Buellton and Solvang sheriffs stations for your convenience. Regular disposal of unused medication helps to keep meds out of reach of youth.
- WHAT TO DO IF YOUR CHILD ALREADY HAS A PROBLEM
If you suspect your teen is using drugs, do not wait to do something about it. Visit the Substance Abuse & Mental Health Services Administration at www.findtreatment.samhsa.gov for a listing of treatment centers in your area, or call (800) 662 - HELP (4357).
The Valley Coalitionwould like to offer parents some additional safety tips that will help keep their teens safe from alcohol and drugs.
- Know the facts - learn about the risks of underage drinking and help your child to understand.
- Create clear family rules and expectations by setting a "no alcohol" rule with zero tolerance.
- Be aware and ask questions; know who they will be with, where they will be, and at what time.
- Find out about the party your teen may attend and talk to the parents about what supervision is provided. Utilize the Parent Directory link on our website for safe homes.
- Let them know that they can call you for a ride if needed – no questions asked!
- Lock up your liquor cabinet. The #1 place teens access alcohol is from the home environment.
- Provide safe and fun activities for social engagement.
- Talk to your teen. You are the best defense they have in resisting alcohol and drug use.
- Be a strong role model . . . Your kids need you.
How to Get Involved
The Valley Coalition encourages community members to join us as we work together to make a positive change for youth in our community.
Join the Coalition
Learn about current issues, the goals and strategies of the Coalition and join others who are taking a leadership role in preventing underage use of alcohol and drugs.Meetings are held quarterly on the 4th Tuesday of the each month at 4 PM at PHP Service Center, 545 N. Alisal Road, Solvang - January, March, June and September.
Join a Work Group
Choose from one of five Work Groups that are involved in the “hands on” activities of the Coalition.
- Executive Committee
- Youth Participation
- Policy Development
- Data Collection and Evaluation
- Community Outreach
- Sustainability