3rd Annual Greenville Youth Summit 2010!

Daniel Brown, GFP Youth Project Manager (1st on the right, 1st row), and GFP Interns, Ashley Wegherington (1st on the left, 1st row), Doug Phillips (1st on the left, 3rd row), Diamond Joseph (3rd on the left, 3rd row), and Graham Bichel (3rd on the right, 3rd row) pose with Youth Summit attendees.

As Margaret Mead once said, “Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful, committed citizens can change the world. Indeed, it is the only thing that ever has.” With that thought in mind, the “3rd Annual Greenville Youth Summit: Viewpoints and Voices” was a great success this year despite the decrease in attendance.

Youth who attended the summit discussed obstacles and challenges - including education, social influences, and societal norms - that interfere with their ability to positively impact their community. Many of the topics discussed pointed back to perceptions and stereotypes. GFP intern, Diamond Joseph led summit participants in two activities that allowed them to witness firsthand the impact of privilege on the “haves and have-nots”, what it means to speak out and voice one’s opinion, and stereotyping.

To read more, click here.

Let's Stop Prescription Drug Abuse!

Prescription drug abuse is the fastest-growing drug problem in the US. Because prescription drugs are legal, they are easily accessible, often from a home medicine cabinet. Some individuals who abuse prescription drugs, particularly teens, believe they are safer than illicit drugs because they are prescribed by a healthcare professional and sold behind the counter.

Physicians, law enforcement officials, teachers, parents, grandparents, and youth need to know about the dangers of prescription drug abuse. A recent national survey of high-school students reported that among 12th graders, 7 of the top 10 abused substances are pharmaceuticals. Between 1997 and 2007, treatment admissions for prescription painkillers increased more than 400%. Between 2004 and 2008, the number of visits to hospital emergency departments involving the non-medical use of narcotic painkillers increased 111%. And according to the latest National Survey on Drug Use and Health, most people who abuse these drugs get them from friends and family or from a doctor.

To learn more, click here.

SAFE HOMES

A NETWORK OF PARENTS WORKING TOGETHER TO PROVIDE A SAFE HOME, SAFE FROM ALCOHOL, SAFE FROM DRUGS, AND A SAFE SOCIAL ENVIRONMENT

Join a group of parents dedicated to providing an environment where our youth can socialize and understand that we do not accept the underage use of alcohol and drugs in our homes and on our property.

Join a network of parents who agree to minimize the cultural acceptance of alcohol and drugs by our youth. The task is simple. Sign a pledge to follow the current laws regarding alcohol, tobacco and other drugs and agree to talk to one another. Teens today face a difficult challenge while growing up in a world that connects alcohol with most social events and gatherings.  Many parents are looking for support in setting boundaries for their teens when it comes to socializing and following the law.  Too often, parents think everyone is partying with alcohol and they are alone in their struggle to prevent underage drinking.   This is a tool.  You are not alone. Join a network or create a network...

Parents who are members of the Safe Homes Network will receive an exclusive e-newsletter which will provide up to date research relevant to keeping teens alcohol and drug free.  All parents are encouraged to check out our blog, Safe Voice, and participate in the discussion.  You can even remain anonymous in the discussion, so do not hesitate to ask the tough questions!

Please visit the Frequently Asked Question section and if you still have questions we will be happy provide any information for you to join in or start your own group of parents who want to keep there homes safe and provide a SAFE environment free from alcohol, tobacco and other drugs.  Call 467-4099 or email melissa@gfpdrugfree.org.

STOP Teen Drinking Grant!

Greenville Family Partnership (GFP) has been awarded a $50,000 four-year STOP grant from the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA). STOP stands for "Sober Truth on Preventing" Underage Drinking. The grant will support the Safe Homes Parent Network which engages parents in a coordinated effort to prevent and reduce underage drinking & its consequences and to change community norms regarding underage drinking. Click here to learn more.

THE PARENT KIT

If you are a parent who feels at a loss as to what to say when it comes to talking to your teens about alcohol, tobacco, and other drugs, then you may want to access the "Your Child Didn't Come with an Owner's Manual" Parent Kit.