Back to Annual Meeting Page		American Public Health Association 133rd Annual Meeting & Exposition December 10-14, 2005 Philadelphia, PA

Abstract #106134

Gwyndolyn Ensley, MEd, Center for Substance Abuse Prevention, SAMHSA, 1 Choke Cherry Road 4-1033, Rockville, MD 20857, 240-276-2546, gwyndolyn.ensley@samhsa.hhs.gov and Ford Hatamiya, MA, Too Smart To Start, Social & Health Services, 525 - 39th Street, Richmond, CA 94805.

SAMHSA's Reach Out Now Teach-In — a nationally-implemented classroom program to support Alcohol Awareness Month and the prevention of underage drinking — introduces fifth and sixth graders, their teachers and parents to the dangers of alcohol on a young person's mind and body. This interactive curriculum alerts them to effective alternatives to alcohol use and engages them in developing prevention messages that promote healthy lifestyles.

Children in fifth and sixth grades are the focus of the Teach-Ins because they are at a critical age for development of attitudes and behaviors important for the prevention of underage alcohol use. Research has shown that alcohol use among youths begins to increase substantially each year after the age of 13. Moreover, individuals who begin drinking alcohol before the age of 15 are likely to develop alcohol dependency at some point in their lives.

In 2004, the Teach-Ins reached more than 9,500 fifth graders in 168 schools and in every State in the Nation. Awareness about underage drinking was increased among the children, their families, and school staff. The responses of children and school staff to the Teach-Ins were overwhelming positive. Information on underage drinking was used effectively by the children who participated in the Teach-Ins. Nearly all of the Teach-In sites reported some type of media coverage. Finally, a very high percentage of the schools that participated in the Teach-Ins indicated that they would be interested in participating in future Teach-Ins.

Learning Objectives: By the end of the presentation, participants will be able to

(
• Explain the curriculum of Reach Out Now Teach-In. (
• List the benefits of implementing a Teach-In. (
• Identify appropriate organizations for Teach-Ins in their communities.

Keywords: Alcohol, Youth

Presenting author's disclosure statement:

I wish to disclose that I have NO financial interests or other relationship with the manufactures of commercial products, suppliers of commercial services or commercial supporters.