Schools

First Responders Training: Helping Laguna Beach Students Make Healthy Choices

Submitted by the Laguna Beach Unified School District:

LBUSD is committed to educating their educators with up to date and ongoing prevention and intervention tools that will help address the needs of students as related to the prevention of alcohol and other drug use. Educators and coaches are often considered "first responders" in assisting students to make healthy choices. At a recent District staff development workshop and at the Laguna Beach High School seasonal coach meeting, renowned expert Dr. Bill Beacham, the Executive Director of the Center for Drug-Free Communities, presented an informative and comprehensive program, S.A.F.E.– Substance Abuse For Educators.

Dr. Beacham remarked, "The LBUSD has been actively engaged in a process of implementing the ‘Strategic Prevention Framework’ for the past four years. The 1st Responder Training was developed from the needs assessment that was conducted  in 2008-2009 with staff/students/parents. One of the recommendations was to provide on-going staff training in adolescent substance use, abuse and dependency. The District has demonstrated an intense commitment to prevention and intervention with students and parents in need of assistance.”

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Special Education and Student Services Director Irene White agreed, “The District efforts in the area of Alcohol and Drug prevention continues. We continue to be making progress in adding prevention strategies including our Botvin Curriculum implementation as well as increased services for both parents and students. This year we will offer increased parent education opportunities, student supports as well as increased staff training to include our coaches.  We are committed to do whatever it takes to reach our students. Our strategic plan is solid and we are always refining it based on new information from specialists like Dr. Beacham. I personally continue to invite interested parents and community members to learn more about our Strategic Plan as well as assist the District in reducing alcohol and other drug use among our youth.”

LBHS Athletic Director Mike Churchill stated, “Dr. Bill Beacham shared information with our coaches that will help them deal with drug/alcohol problems if they arise. To have up to the date research information available can certainly make a difference. All too many times, adolescents rely on street information that just isn’t the truth. It is important to have accurate information and reasoning to combat this problem. Having an even playing field is the essence of amateur athletics. Dr. Beacham’s workshop presentation will help us keep the health of our students at the top of our priorities.”

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