The PSD Safe and Drug Free Schools and Communities office assists sites in creating safe and drug-free environments, free from the distractions of violence and substance abuse. Violence and substance abuse are serious problems, and it is imperative that schools collaborate with community resources and agencies to address these issues. The philosophy of Safe and Drug Free School and Communities is based on the following principles:
- Prevention can be effective. Studies have found that students exposed to prevention curricula have lower rates of drug involvement. In addition, students participating in two or three curricula are less involved with alcohol, tobacco or other drugs than students exposed to one program.
- Prevention is more effective when health lifestyle messages are presented by several sources. Collaboration with community resources is essential.
- Prevention curricula needs to be developmentally appropriate and delivered across all domains of youths' lives--home, school and community.
- Our philosophy and programming is built around imparting accurate information through effective instructional methods throughout the K-12 student experience.
Resources
Please visit these organizations' websites for contact information, hours of operation and details about services.
- The Center for Family Outreach: Substance use disorder prevention classes for youth. Education, intervention, and support for families who are challenged by the adolescent years. Free and sliding scale fees. Bilingual (English, Spanish) services available.
- AL-ANON and ALATEEN (Fort Collins): Support and programming for anyone affected by a relative’s or friend’s drinking. Free. Bilingual (English, Spanish) services available.
- Alcoholics Anonymous: Support groups and programming for individuals with alcohol related problems. Literature translation services available. Spanish-speaking-only groups vary by region.
- Health District of Northern Colorado—Step Free From Tobacco Program: Six-week class run by Tobacco Treatment Specialists. Free nicotine patches, gum, and lozenges. Individual, buddy, or group sessions available. Sliding scale fees. Bilingual (English, Spanish) services available.
- Larimer County Department of Health and Environment: Information and resources about tobacco education, prevention, policy, and cessation for youth and adult populations. Free and sliding scale fees. Bilingual (English, Spanish) services available.
- Mountain Crest Behavioral Health Center (UCHealth): Chemical dependency intensive outpatient program that focuses on education, prevention of relapse, and effective ways to deal with life stress.
- Narcotics Anonymous (NA): Support groups for individuals with narcotics-related problems.
- Turning Point: Adolescent Intensive Outpatient Program treatment for substance use and mental health needs (dual diagnosis) for youth 14-17 years of age.