Pubdate: Tue, 27 Feb 2007
Source: Verde Independent (AZ)
Copyright: 2007 Prescott Newspapers Inc.
Contact: http://verdenews.com/Formlayout.asp?formcall=userform&form=1
Website: http://verdeindependent.1upsoftware.com/
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/4433
Note: Published Sun, Wed, Fri
Author: Jon Hutchinson, Staff Reporter
Bookmark: http://www.mapinc.org/meth.htm (Methamphetamine)
Bookmark: http://www.mapinc.org/youth.htm (Youth)

BOYS & GIRLS CLUB TAKES METH PROGRAM TO SCHOOLS

Armed with a state grant, the Boys & Girls Clubs of Northern Arizona 
have begun presenting a methamphetamine prevention program in the 
Sedona and Cottonwood schools.

The clubs have been presenting the nationally acclaimed MethSMART 
program in West Sedona and Big Park elementary schools in Sedona and 
Mingus High School in Cottonwood over five weeks.

The program moves to Cottonwood Middle School and Oak Creek School next week.

The six-week program was made possible by the Legislature 
appropriating and the governor approving $500,000 for Curriculum 
Based Meth Prevention for Youth in 2006.

Jody Diamond, executive director of the Northern Arizona Boys & Girls 
Clubs, says, "during the first three months of MethSMART, starting in 
October 2006, over 1,400 youth have participated in the school 
programs through the Northern Arizona Boys and Girls Clubs in the 
Verde Valley and the Central Arizona clubs in West Yavapai County."

MethSMART incorporates current research about problems confronting 
young people and provides viable solutions to help them handle 
challenging circumstances while avoiding risky and unhealthy 
behaviors. By including parent and staff educational pieces, 
MethSMART successfully makes the prevention of methamphetamine abuse 
a team effort for those adults involved in the child's life.

Diamond says a Pre-test and Post-test are given to each student. "It 
shows good retention" of the information given. "Students are able to 
describe what meth does to the body and brain and identify its ingredients."

She says students are also able to identify three people they can go 
"to help in making good decisions."

The program has four components for different age groups. Six to 9 
year olds participate in sessions addressing problem solving; how to 
say no to peer pressure and an introduction to drugs that harm with 
emphasis on methamphetamine and their effects. Youth ages 10 to 13 
participate in sessions on avoiding peer and media pressure; facts on 
methamphetamine and its effects on the body and mind; refusal 
techniques; and support systems.

Teens ages 14 to 18 participate in sessions that deal with avoiding 
peer and media pressure; how methamphetamine affect the body and 
mind; refusal techniques; case studies of methamphetamine users; 
support systems; and self esteem and goal setting. The fourth 
component of the MethSMART program is for parents. A parent handbook 
will be available explaining the program and offering activities to 
begin family dialogue.

Diamond is also a partner in MATForce, the Yavapai County 
Methamphetamine Task Force that is presenting 15 informational forums 
across Yavapai County on meth and its physical and social affects.

Boys & Girls Clubs of America's nationally acclaimed SMART Moves 
prevention program has been helping young people avoid four of the 
most immediate threats to their well being: alcohol, tobacco, other 
drugs, and premature sexual activity, since 1990. Arizona Clubs are 
now becoming focused on the growing threat of methamphetamine abuse 
to members, and have decided to take action as part of the Arizona 
Alliance of Boys & Girls Clubs.
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MAP posted-by: Beth Wehrman