The 131st Annual Meeting (November 15-19, 2003) of APHA

Abstract #61170

Natalie A. Brown, BA¹, Hal Tucker, DO², Susan Lindauer, MSS, MLSP², Tracy Young, DO², Naimah Campbell, BS², Tina L. Harralson, PhD¹, and Naimah Campbell, BS². (1) Einstein Center for Urban Health Policy and Research, Albert Einstein Healthcare Network, One Penn Boulevard, Wister Tower, 4th Fl. Suite 4442, Philadelphia, PA 19144, 215-951-8467, brownna@einstein.edu, (2) Department of Emergency Medicine, Albert Einstein Medical Center, 5501 Old York Road, Philadelphia, PA 19141

Many programs that educate children on the effects of drugs and drug use prevention are held in school settings, but few are based in hospitals where children can interact and learn from healthcare professionals and witness the physical effects of drugs. STRIDE (Students Taking Responsibility In Drug Education) is a unique program developed by the Albert Einstein Medical Center’s Emergency Medicine Department to educate children on substance abuse and prevention. From Fall 1999 to Fall 2002, this hospital-based program has collaborated with 5 elementary schools and 1 middle school and has educated approximately 750 children on topics such as the health consequences of substance abuse and the effect of drugs on mental health. STRIDE exposes children to the harsh effects of drug use through role-play exercises inside the Emergency Room and Crisis Response Center. The role play exercises include physicians and nurses showing students what happens to a person who is severely damaged from substance abuse. The children also visit the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU) where they learn about and discuss the effects of drugs on a developing fetus. This is accomplished through the use of audio-visual aids by NICU personnel.

Our presentation will focus on pre and post data gathered from children who have participated in the program. The pre and posttests measure knowledge of drugs and drug abuse, attitudes towards drug use and prevention, and behavior intent of using drugs. Participant feedback on the program will also be presented.

Learning Objectives:

At the conclusion of the session, the attendant will be able to:
• Understand the uniqueness and importance of a hospital based substance abuse prevention program.
• Identify key changes in children's knowledge, attitudes and behavior intent from attending STRIDE

Keywords: Substance Abuse Prevention, Urban Health

Presenting author's disclosure statement:
I do not have any significant financial interest/arrangement or affiliation with any organization/institution whose products or services are being discussed in this session.