"Take Charge" is the tobacco, alcohol and drug use prevention program for youth in grades 6 through 12 offered by Teen Services. Tobacco, alcohol and other drugs can "kill" a person physically, mentally, spiritually and even financially. That's why today's youth need to "TAKE CHARGE" of their minds and bodies to avoid the control that substances can have over their lives.

CRS was awarded a three year grant from Virginia Tobacco Settlement Foundation (VTSF) in the amount of $222,030. The first year of the grant is already under way, and the program has been implemented to youth across the county.

Why

Did You Know That:

Each year in the U.S. there are more tobacco-related deaths than deaths from AIDS, car accidents, murders, suicide, drug overdoses and fires combined.

Lung cancer has surpassed breast cancer as the leading cause of cancer deaths among females.

• Nearly 1 in 5 deaths in the U.S. are related to smoking.
• About 2/3 of teen smokers say they want to quit smoking, and 70% say they would not have started if they could choose again.
• Secondhand smoke may cause thousands of healthy kids to develop asthma each year.
• A recent study showed that in households where both parents smoke, kids take in a nicotine equivalent of smoking 80 cigarettes a year.
• Kids in Virginia who smoke are more likely to say it's because they are addicted than any other reason.
• Every day, 3,000 young people become regular tobacco users and 4,800 smoke their first cigarette

Who

The 'TAKE CHARGE' program uses two curriculums depending on the grade of the participants. The first curriculum is TNT - Project Towards No Tobacco Use, for participants in grades 6 through 8. During the sessions the participants learn what's in tobacco and the stages of tobacco addiction, skills for building self-esteem, tips for effective listening and communicating, how to be assertive and say "No" to peer pressure, advertising tricks and how to advocate 'no tobacco use' in their communities.

The second curriculum is TND - Project Towards No Drug Use, and these participants are in grades 9 through 12. The lessons in this curriculum cover chemical dependency, myths and denials of drug use, active listening and effective communicating skills, how to cope with stress and the need for self-control, the effects of positives and negative thought patterns and drug abuse, decision-making tool, and the importance of commitment.

Where

The 'TAKE CHARGE' program is being implemented in public/private schools, faith-based organizations, teen centers, community centers, and youth outpatient or residential treatment programs. For more information, please contact Janet Young, Teen Services Prevention Program Coordinator at 703-324-5213, TTY 711, or janet.young@fairfaxcounty.gov.

Cost

The program is FREE all participants receive:

• Anti-tobacco branded incentives
• Student workbooks
• Treats
• Pledge card
• Preventive materials
• Certificate of completion
• Pizza party to celebrate the completion of the program

How to Join

Call CRS at 703-324-5213 or 703-324-TEEN (8336), TTY 711 during normal business hours.

Other Related Links

Teen Services
Virginia Tobacco Settlement Foundation (VTSF)