FASD Prevented by 9 Months Alcohol Free

The above poster was conceived of by We Are The Future youth; it is to be distributed to local on-premise alcohol establishments. It is a supplemental sign that can hang with the old mandated sign. It contains updated information and is more visually appealing.

On September 9 is Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorders (FASD) National Awareness Day, recognizing the need for 9 month of a sober, healthy pregnancy. Our coalition in collaboration with the Ohio County Partners in Prevention will be hosting a Healthy Babies - Healthy Future: Preventing Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorders and other issues that are easily preventable by education. The workshop is from 8AM to 3PM at the Vineyard Church 135 Waddles Run Rd., Wheeling.

The workshop will end with a bang as attendees who have volunteered will take part in a grassroots community outreach effort. The volunteers will visit on-premise alcohol establishments for about 10 minutes. They will read information to clerks and managers advising them about FASD and how they can help. Supplemental FASD warning flyers and posters (as shown above) will be given to businesses for use in their establishments.

FASD is the leading known cause of mental retardation in the western world and it's 100% preventable by abstaining from consumption alcohol during pregnancy. The U.S. Surgeon General has advised that it is never safe to consume alcohol during pregnancy. The updated signs show that Fetal Alcohol Syndrome has changed to Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorders. It has been found that a whole spectrum of disorders can occur, and many go undiagnosed as FASD because it is often unknown whether the mother of the child affected drank alcohol during her 9 month pregnancy.

This is a first of its kind, proactive and positive effort in Ohio County. Please invest in this effort and your community. You don't have to attend the workshop if you want to volunteer for this effort.

Workshop Agenda is as follows:
8:0-8:45 Registration & Welcome
8:45-10:15 Shaken Baby Syndrome
10:30-12:00 Bonding & Attachment
12:30-1:45 Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorders
2:45-3:00 Community Outreach Directions & Evaluation
3:oo-5:00 Volunteer Outreach

You may have also noticed the FASD billboards all around Wheeling; these, as well as, a grass roots appeal by mail to local city officials rounds out the month. We hope to educate and influence businesses and our community to be aware and do all they can to educate others. If you would like to volunteer to help educate businesses and your community, please contact the OCSAPC by way of Kristen Kroflich at (304) 233-2045 ext 305 or kkfroflitch@ysswv.com.

Kids and Cops Rock with "Sticker Shock"

WHAT: Youth in Action (YIA) is a team of Ohio County youth, local police officers, and adult volunteers; this collaboration will take part in a community action called “Sticker Shock” which promotes the prevention of underage drinking. This team will canvas area businesses asking them to allow the team to place stickers on all alcohol products. The stickers, designed by local youth, will provide a reminder about the laws regarding persons over 21 purchasing alcohol for minors.

WHEN: August 18, 2008 at 1:00PM

WHERE: Woodsdale/Pleasanton Area Businesses who choose to participate.

WHO: Local youth from We Are The Future youth group, the Wheeling Police Department, the Ohio County Sheriff’s Department and the Ohio County Substance Abuse Prevention Coalition have joined forces to bring about social change. As of now, the youth will be going to CVS, Kroger, and Gumby’s. Let’s give these businesses a big hand for stepping up and showing the community that they do not support underage drinking and that they have made thoughtful business decisions and sales procedures.

WHY: This action will allow area business owners the opportunity to showcase that they really do take underage drinking laws seriously and care for the well being of our community. The involved youth will be empowered to know that their voice is heard and they can influence adults in the community and make a difference.

HOW: The volunteer youth, law enforcement and other adults will meet at 1:00PM and the kids will ride in cruisers to businesses that have chosen to participate

Area Students Unite with the Youth Forum

The first in a series of youth forums kicked off Tuesday night July 29 at Linsly. About 40 area youth participated in discussion groups that focused on coming up with ideas to help youth lead the way in tackling the underage drink problem in Ohio County. There has never been a youth activity like this in our area and it is much needed as the county ranks third in the state for this issue.

Many of the students in attendance have seen first hand how alcohol abuse among youth can cause death, injury, or broken families. The diversity of student background really added to the success of this forum. These young people came together for a common cause. They were thrilled that adults cared to listen as they shared what they knew. The students also worked together to come up with ideas that youth themselves could do to alleviate the problem.

The questions posed asked if they thought there was an underage drinking problem in our area, and they asked about the attitude that youth and adults have about underage drinking. Finally ending with what youth can do about it and how adults can help youth to make social changes regarding alcohol use among youth.

The students were amazingly open as they shared their thoughts about the problem and the solutions. Some youth shared their bad experiences using drugs and alcohol while others shared how they have been able to stay away from harmful substances altogether.

On a group level, the youth came together from different backgrounds and viewpoints and worked for social change. On an individual level, it seemed to give them an alternative view of what other young people go through and from this they gathered strength in their conviction.