Congratulations Stacey Ashmore!

Greenville Family Partnership would like to congratulate one of its staff members, Stacey Ashmore, who works hard as a Community Outreach Coordinator. Recently, Stacey received an award from the “Palmetto State Law Enforcement Officers Association Award in recognition of his unselfish dedication to serve, challenge, and motivate the youth in our community” and he was also nominated as the 2010 “Upstate Black History Maker” by 107.3 Jamz. Go Stacey!

National Study Shows Reverse in Decline in Teen Abuse of Drugs and Alcohol!

More Teens Using Alcohol, Ecstasy. and Marijuana Makes Early Parental Action Even More Critical.

After a decade of consistent declines in teen drug abuse, a new national study released today by the Partnership for a Drug-Free America® and MetLife Foundation points to marked upswings in use of drugs that teens are likely to encounter at parties and in other social situations.

According to the 2009 Partnership Attitude Tracking Study, sponsored by MetLife Foundation , the number of teens in grades 9-12 that used alcohol in the past month has grown by 11%, (from 35% in 2008 to 39% in 2009), past year Ecstasy use shows a 67% increase (from 6% in 2008 to 10% in 2009) and past year marijuana use shows a 19% increase (from 32% in 2008 to 38% in 2009). The PATS data mark a reverse in the remarkable, sustained declines in several drugs of abuse among teens: meth was down by over 60% and past month alcohol and marijuana use had decreased 30% over the past decade from 1998-2008.

Underlying these increases are negative shifts in teen attitudes, particularly a growing belief in the benefits and acceptability of drug use & drinking. The percentage of teens agreeing that “being high feels good” increased significantly from 45% in 2008 to 51% in 2009, while those saying that “friends usually get high at parties” increased from 69% to 75% over the same time period. The study also found a significant drop in the number of teens agreeing strongly that they “don’t want to hang around drug users” – from 35% in 2008 to 30% in 2009.

“These new PATS data should put all parents on notice that they have to pay closer attention to their kids’ behavior – especially their social interactions – and they must take action as soon as they think their child may be using drugs or drinking,” said Steve Pasierb, president and CEO of the Partnership.

Dennis White, president and CEO of MetLife Foundation added that “the earlier parents take steps to address a child’s drug or alcohol use, the greater the chance they’ll be effective in preventing a serious problem. We need to be sure parents know when it’s time to act, and how to act when confronted with a substance abuse situation.”

To read more, click here.

THE MISSION OF GREENVILLE FAMILY PARTNERSHIP

TO KEEP KIDS OFF TOBACCO, ALCOHOL, DRUGS AND OTHER HARMFUL SUBSTANCES BY EDUCATING AND PARTNERING WITH FAMILIES AND COMMUNITIES.

Southside High School Basketball or Brawl? What do you think about what happened at this game? Do you think these parents shouldn’t be allowed to attend sport events anymore? Or, do you think these students should no longer be allowed to play against that particular school? Would that eliminate the problem? Or, do you think this brawl is a symptom of what’s going on in society at large and that brawling or fighting has become an acceptable past time? Who do you think is to blame for the brawl? Students for exhibiting bad behavior or parents for not only losing control of their kids but also of themselves?

Visit the Blog! Tell us what you think! See what other people have to say!

Safe from Alcohol, Safe from Drugs, A Safe Social Environment

One of the greatest gifts we can give our kids is a healthy, alcohol and drug free youth.

Greenville Family Partnership (GFP) is a non-profit organization whose mission is to keep kids off tobacco, alcohol and other drugs.  GFP is starting a new program called Safe Homes Parent Network.  

The Safe Homes Parent Network (SHPN) is a parent pledge program that joins parents together to support one another in providing a safer social environment for our youth.  It does not require any extra time, just a commitment to provide an alcohol and drug free environment when hosting youth in your home.  The goal of Safe Homes Parent Network is to link committed parents together through GFP’s website.

Don’t wait until Red Ribbon Week to plan your drug prevention activities! Prevention is a year-round event! Teachers can plan their drug prevention activities early!

For ideas and suggestions on Red Ribbon Week Activities, check out the "Ideas" and "Red Ribbon" sections of the Red Ribbon Store!