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What’s New

Communities Talk What’s New articles share information to help event organizers plan, host, and evaluate events aimed at mobilizing a community around evidence-based prevention of underage drinking.

NEW! “Talk. They Hear You.” Campaign Posters; National Teen Driver Safety Week; Red Ribbon Week

10/07/2021

NEW! “Talk. They Hear You.” Campaign Posters

There’s nothing like a little visual reminder to keep the dialogue going. SAMHSA’s “Talk. They Hear You.” substance use prevention campaign has released three new posters. These posters encourage parents and educators concerned about their child’s or student’s health and wellbeing to work with student assistance professionals. The vibrant posters are designed to grab attention and inspire action. Look for the posters in three sizes (11x17, 18x24, 24x36) in the SAMHSA Store:

  •  Talk. They Hear You. Student Assistance: You Are Not Alone (Educators)
  • Talk. They Hear You. Student Assistance: Get the Full Picture (Educators)
  • Talk. They Hear You. Student Assistance: Get the Full Picture (Parents)

National Teen Driver Safety Week Is October 17–23, 2021

According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) in 2019:

  • 2,042 people were killed in crashes involving a teen driver; 
  • 628 of those deaths were the teen driver; and
  • The greatest dangers for teen drivers include alcohol, inconsistent or no seat belt use, distracted and drowsy driving, speeding, and the number of passengers in the car.
During National Teen Driver Safety Week this October, encourage parents to have conversations with their teens about how to stay safe behind the wheel. Use the NHTSA’s Rules for the Road campaign materials to inspire parents to discuss the importance of driving safety with their young drivers. Materials are available in English and Spanish and include banner ads and images for you to use on websites or social media.

If you are planning a Communities Talk activity in October, think about ways you can educate your audience about the dangers of teen impaired and distracted driving. Read these Success Stories for ideas!

  • In Jackson, Mississippi, Jackson State University teachers and students learned about the consequences of driving under the influence from local law enforcement and prevention specialists. 
  • The 27th Street West Drug Free Coalition in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, educated parents, teens, and members of the local health department about the underage drinking and driving laws in Wisconsin with presentations from an addiction research specialist and an addiction counselor. 

Red Ribbon Week Is October 23–31, 2021

The Drug Enforcement Administration’s Red Ribbon Week, America’s oldest and largest drug prevention awareness program, takes place this October 23–31. Celebrate Red Ribbon Week in your community by raising awareness about the value of living a drug-free life! The 2021 National Red Ribbon Week website has helpful resources, including a Red Ribbon Week toolkit for prevention professionals, health educators, and others.