Developed by the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration’s (SAMHSA) and the U.S. Department of Health & Human Services, the Reach Out Now program encourages annual Teach-Ins for fifth  and sixth graders during April, National Alcohol Awareness Month.

Based on a 2005 National Survey, SAMHSA reports that almost 30 percent of youth between the ages of 12 and 20 reported using alcohol at least once in the month prior to the survey.  Additionally, research shows that children who start drinking before age 15 are five times more likely to develop alcohol problems later in life than those who begin drinking at age 21 or older. 

The Teach-In message reaches even more of an audience than just fifth and sixth graders.  “The Reach Out Now Teach-In program involves teachers, parents, school administrators, community leaders and students, so the fact that so many people are involved makes the program invaluable,” explains Trinidad , who also is pleased that the sixth grade students became actively involved in the Teach-In by asking and answering questions and sharing their own examples.

The popularity of the Teach-Ins spurred the planning for next year’s Reach Out Now program.  Trinidad hopes to change the program for the better by inspiring more parent involvement. “We only had a few parents attend the sessions this time around, and I think it would be beneficial to host parent awareness meetings a couple weeks before the event.”

<-- BACK