The Lakes Area Youth Service Bureau will join in with the community in marking this year’s Chemical Health Week observance Nov. 12-19.

Minnesota Chemical Health Week provides an excellent opportunity to increase awareness of alcohol, tobacco and other drug abuse problems, and to work together in our families and as a community to find solutions. Reducing alcohol, tobacco and other drug use, especially by underage persons, is one way to create a more safe and healthy environment.

To accomplish this, efforts are needed and must deliver consistent messages and actions throughout our schools, workplaces, families and communities.

Statistics point to the need.

According to the 2004 Student Survey:

•Eleven percent of 12th Grade girls and 19 percent of 12th Grade boys report having driven a motor vehicle three or more times after using alcohol or drugs.

•Only four percent of 12th grade girls, three percent of 12th grade boys report that none of their friends use alcohol or other drugs.

•Fifteen percent of 12th grade girls and 28 percent of 12th grade boys reported binge drinking.

•Thirty-five percent of Minnesota 12th grade students reported smoking in the last 12 months.

•Among 12th graders reporting having used marijuana at least once in the past 12 months, 25 percent of girls and 30 percent of boys have done so.

Results of the 2007 Student Survey will be released in the spring of 2008.

Lakes Area Youth Service Bureau joins the Minnesota Prevention Resource Center in encouraging the public to take advantage of resources available to families and the greater community.

YSB facilitates Chemical Awareness and Tobacco Awareness classes.

Interested parents and guardians with teens, teachers, mentors and interested adults are encouraged to attend. A referral is not necessary. Call 651-464-3685 to register.

YSB provides prevention activities and leadership-building opportunities for youth throughout the year.

Youth in 7th-9th grade are invited to Teen Game Time, every Sunday afternoon from 2-5 p.m. during the school year. A Pool Tourney for youth (grades 7-12) and adult pairs will take place Dec. 10. For more about YSB prevention activities, visit the website: www.ysblakesarea.org.

YSB has resources available for parents who believe their children may be using alcohol, drugs or tobacco.

Hot Topic meetings are regularly scheduled throughout the year in both Forest Lake and North Branch. Free packets on many subjects are available at the Forest Lake Location. A youth and family counselor is available to provide both situational and ongoing support.

Want to get involved?

•Support YSB Prevention Programs! Every dollar for our programs must be raised from the communities we serve.

•Volunteer at YSB! There are many opportunities. Check the website, “http://www.ysblakesarea.org/” www.ysblakesarea.org or call Amy at 651-464-3685.

•Visit Minnesota Prevention Resource Center’s website: HYPERLINK “http://www.emprc.org/” \o “http://www.emprc.org/” www.emprc.org. Download the Minnesota 2007 Chemical Health Week Guide.

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