NACCHO is partnering with The National Institute on Drug Abuse to promote National Drug & Alcohol Facts Week from January 25–31. Taking part in National Drug & Alcohol Facts Week means that your local health department has the opportunity to help shatter the myths about drug use for teens.

Every day, teens are bombarded with conflicting messages that may leave them feeling confused and unsure of who to ask for information about drug use. With 15% of 12th graders reporting abuse of prescription drugs in the past year and 22.7% reporting use of marijuana in the past month, it is crucial to help teens understand the serious consequences of drug use.

Wondering how your local health department can take part? There are plenty of ways to get involved in National Drug & Alcohol Facts Week, which include the following:

• Host a local event in your community and register it online
• Distribute the Drugs: Shatter the Myths booklet to teens
• Take the National Drug IQ Challenge, (updated each year)

For more ideas and the latest news, visit the National Drug & Alcohol Facts Week website at http://drugfactsweek.drugabuse.gov/.

By Margaret Carr, Associate Specialist, Safe and Healthy Families, NACCHO