REACHING KIDS BEFORE DRUGS DO!
THE FACTS
Deaths from drug overdose continue to be a public health burden. In 2017, there were 70,237 drug overdose deaths in the United States. Of that number, 5,455 were between ages 15-24.*
Misuse of prescription drugs is highest amoung young adults ages 18 - 25, with 14.4 percent reporting nonmedical use in the past year. Among youth ages 12 to 17, 4.9 percent reported past-year nonmedical use of prescription medications.*
Prevention programs, designed to address risk-factors, stigmas, and reinforce anti-drug attitudes are important to helping raise awareness of the dangers of drugs.
LTM STUDENT AWARENESS PROGRAM
LTM's Student Awareness Program is unique. Our events are delivered by people who have been personally affected by Substance Use Disorder (SUD). We combine storytelling with fact-based material to deliver a compelling anti-drug message that keeps students engaged.
LTM has spoken to more than 60,000 students in the Chicago area over the past seven years. We survey students after each event and use the feedback to evaluate effectiveness. An impressive 83.47% of students that completed the survey indicated that they were more likely to speak up and help someone! Students taking action means we are making a difference in our community.
Here are a actual comments we received from students that participated in the LTM Student Awareness Program:
- " The single most valuable thing I learned was Mike's story. It was real, and straight forward and to the point. No sugar coating was involved." (note: Mike is a LTM recovery speaker)
- "The addict speaking about his insecurities and how it led to drugs really influenced me. I personally struggle from the need to feel accepted and cool to others. So knowing I am not alone is a relief."
- "I didn't realize that because I have addiction (alcohol) issues in my family, that puts me at a higher risk. Never thought about that."
REQUEST A SPEAKER
Click link for more details on our Reaching Kids Before Drugs Do program.
Or click here to Request a Speaker for your School, Health fair or Community Event and we will be in touch promptly.
* Source - www.drugabuse.gov
