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TextTake Charge, Be Tobacco, Alcohol and Drug Free
"Take Charge" is a free tobacco, alcohol and drug use prevention program for youth 5 - 12 grades 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.
In 2006, Community and Recreation Services (CRS) was awarded a three year grant by the Virginia Tobacco Settlement Foundation (VTSF). As of December 2008, VTSF renewed the three year grant to CRS and awarded funds in the amount of $223,620. The resources will ensure the continuation of the tobacco and drug prevention program “Take Charge,” which is offered throughout Fairfax County. The grant term dates July 1, 2009-June 30, 2012.
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. The first curriculum is TNT - Project Towards No Tobacco Use, for participants in 5 - 8 grades. During the sessions the participants learn what's in tobacco, 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 Abuse, participants are in grades 9 - 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 tools, and the importance of commitment.
Where
The "Take Charge" program is being implemented in public/private schools, alternative schools, faith-based organizations, teen centers, community centers and youth outpatient or residential treatment programs. For more information, please contact Elizabeth Robertson, Teen Services Prevention Specialist at 703-324-5213, TTY 711, or Elizabeth.Robertson@fairfaxcounty.gov.
Partners:
The following organizations, institutions and schools are our community partners. Some have been members for 3 or more years. Becoming a partner is an easy process. If you are interested please contact Elizabeth Robertson. We would like to thank our partners for being advocates against tobacco, alcohol and drug use, and we commend their efforts to empower youth to make healthy decisions.
Aurora House
Christian Center School
Club Phoenix
CRS Athletics Division
CRS Community Centers
CRS Teen Centers
CRS Therapeutic Recreation
Fairfax County Boys Probation House
Fairfax County Girls Probation House
Fairfax County Juvenile Detention Center
Fairfax County MS After-School Programs
Fairfax-Falls Church Community Service Board/Youth Alcohol and Drug Services
Family Advocacy Services
Katherine K. Hanley Shelter
Northwest Teen Alternative Program
Patrick Henry Shelter
Sojourn House Group Home
Cost
The program is FREE and all participants receive:
- Anti-tobacco branded incentives
- Student workbooks
- Snacks
- 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 or email Elizabeth.Robertson@fairfaxcounty.gov.
Other Related Links
New 3-year Grant Press Release
Teen Services
Virginia
Tobacco Settlement Foundation (VTSF)
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