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Last updated on Wednesday, February 4, 2015
(BEDFORD) - Hoosier Uplands is $1,000 away from this year’s goal to host the 2015 Safe Night.
Safe Night is an evening promoting the prevention of alcohol, tobacco, and other drugs.
It also encourages non-violence among youth in our community. Because of dedicated community champions, Hoosier Uplands is able to provide an evening to youth and families at no cost. This year's event is scheduled for June 13.
Students from both North Lawrence and Mitchell Community Schools have reported prevalence rates higher than the state's rates for cigarettes, smokeless tobacco, cigars, illicit drugs, and prescription drugs.
A survey conducted by the Indiana Prevention Resource Center reported in August 2014 concluded the average age for reporting first use of "gateway" drugs (alcohol, tobacco, and marijuana) is 12-14 years old. By 12th grade, more than 60% report having used alcohol in their lifetime. Alcohol and other drug use have been shown as significant risk factors for delinquency, dropping out of school, teen pregnancy, and violence.
Although the survey shows the prevalence of alcohol, tobacco, and other drug use is on the slow decline, these statistics show us that there is more work to be done.
Safe Night is now a more crucial event than ever.
Many lack the knowledge of the dangers associated with drug, alcohol, and tobacco use; therefore, they continue the cycle of substance use and abuse.
To overcome this barrier, Safe Night requires all booths give out messages that encourage healthy living to the patrons of the event. By doing this, last year with more than 50 booths, the event impacted the lives of 3,500 community residents.
In addition to spreading drug, alcohol, and tobacco use prevention, Safe Night gives local businesses/groups an opportunity to reach consumers through private booths and advertising at the event.
The primary focus of Safe Night is to encourage the youth in our community to refrain from alcohol, tobacco, and other drugs and to make healthy lifestyle choices.
Hoosier Uplands needs help and support of the community to make the event a success.
Your donation to Hoosier Uplands, a 501(c) 3 tax exempt, non-profit corporation, may be tax deductible and should be noted as such for your tax professional.
Make checks payable to Hoosier Uplands with Safe Night in the memo. Checks can be mailed to Hoosier Uplands - 500 West Main Street Mitchell, IN 47446. It have a booth at the event call (812) 849-4447
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