Reach Out Now and Reach Out Now Teach-Ins

The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services’ Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA), through its Center for Substance Abuse Prevention (CSAP), has long collaborated with Scholastic Inc. on Reach Out Now (RON), a national school-based initiative. The initiative aims to prevent and reduce underage alcohol use by raising awareness among students about the related dangers and possible consequences “Now” before they start drinking. Studies show the average age of first alcohol use is about 14 years of age.¹

The Scholastic materials are aligned with the National Standards and are designed specifically to foster a dialogue between teachers, parents, and children on underage alcohol use. The package features lessons and worksheets, an interactive wall poster, bonus skill-building activity worksheets, and take-home items. Although directed to fifth and sixth graders, the content is suitable for other grades.

To reinforce the essential role played by teachers, SAMHSA/CSAP also supports community-based organizations (CBOs) in conducting Teach-Ins nationwide. For the Reach Out Now Teach-Ins, CBOs coordinate classroom presentations by community leaders and promote media coverage about underage alcohol use as an important public health issue. Experience has shown that Teach-Ins led by prominent spokespersons encourage broader use of these prevention materials by youth, teachers, and parents.

More information on the RON initiative for educators

More information on the Teach-Ins

Teach-In Locations

Source

¹National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism. Alcohol Alert, #59, April, 2003.