FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
NATIONAL DRUG FACTS WEEK CELEBRATED IN MISSOURI
ACT Missouri partners with “National Drug Facts Week” (NDFW) in 2015. The week-long health observance, organized by the National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA), part of the National Institutes of Health, takes place Monday, January 26th through Sunday, February 1st. NDFW celebrates the inquisitive minds of teens by giving them a space (virtual or physical) to ask questions about drugs and to get scientific answers from experts. As part of the NDFW celebration, ACT Missouri is hosting its 4th Annual Prevention Day at the Capitol on January 28th, as well as a free webinar on January 27th about “The Science of Addiction” facilitated by Jennifer A. Lowery, M.D.
About a third of high school seniors across the country report using an illicit drug sometime in the past year, and more than ten percent report non-medical use of a narcotic painkiller. While drugs can put a teenager’s health and life in jeopardy, many teens are not aware of the risks. Even for those teens who do not abuse drugs, many have friends or family who do, and they are often looking for ways to help them.
After marijuana, RX drugs are now the most common drugs of abuse by Missouri youth. Many teens believe they are safe because they are prescribed by doctors, and 70% of people 12 and older reported getting the drugs from a friend of relative. Missouri has the seventh highest drug overdose mortality rate in the United States.
“We want teens to have the opportunity to learn what science has taught us about drug abuse and addiction,” said Chuck Daugherty, Executive Director of ACT Missouri. “There are so many myths about drugs cluttering our popular culture. National Drug Facts Week is for teens to get honest answers about drugs so they can make good, informed decisions for themselves and share accurate information with friends.”
Prevention Day gives youth and communities the opportunity to speak with their legislator on various prevention topics. The Southeast Regional Support Center will also be participating in NDFW by hosting a trivia night in Cape Girardeau. Northland Coalition will be executing a social media campaign using NIDA and NDFW facts. Schools and educators can participate in Live Chat Day on January 30th.
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For 23 years, ACT Missouri has been serving as the statewide prevention catalyst, empowering individuals and fostering partnership to promote safe, healthy, and drug-free communities. We believe in healthy individuals, healthy communities, and a healthy Missouri. Resources are available to communities by contacting us at info@actmissouri.org.
Contact Information:
Natalie Newville
Public Information Officer
ACT Missouri
428 E. Capitol Avenue
Jefferson City, MO 65101
(573) 635-6669
nnewville@actmissouri.org
