The 131st Annual Meeting (November 15-19, 2003) of APHA

Abstract #70933

Melissa Algranati, MPH, Girl Scouts of the USA, 420 Fifth Avenue, New York, NY 10018, 212-852-5720, malgranati@girlscouts.org

The Girl Scouts of the USA and the White House Office of National Drug Control Policy (ONDCP) have worked collaboratively since 1999 on the National Youth Anti-Drug Media Campaign, focusing on the prevention of drug use among girls ages 5-17. Research from the Girl Scout Research Institute, and the Campaign was the basis for the resources, which are designed to be contemporary, audience-appropriate tools to educate girls, their families and communities.

These resources include:

* a series of four age-appropriate booklets (with an accompanying guide for adults), In the Zone, that were launched in October 2002 by the Girl Scouts and the Campaign to help girls learn the facts about drugs and identify the positive and healthy choices in their lives that can keep them drug-free.

* the “High on Life” badge for Junior Girl Scouts, teaches girls how to obtain the facts on drugs, and how to take action to prevent drug use in their community.

* articles such as “Alcoholic and Not Anonymous,” “The Party,” and “What is Your Anti-Drug?”, written for the STUDIO 2B Collections series part of the new STUDIO 2B program of Girl Scouts of the USA, targeting girls ages 11-17.

Additional efforts have included a series of In the Zone workshops, and incorporation of drug prevention issues in adult training opportunities. The Girl Scouts’ efforts will provide millions of girls with the opportunity to learn what they can do to protect themselves and others from the threats posed by drug use.

Learning Objectives:

At the conclusion of the session, the participant (learner)in this session will be able to:
• Describe the materials and mechanisms of the National Youth Anti-Drug Media Campaign produced by the Girl Scouts of the USA and the White House Office of National Drug Control Policy.
• Articulate the research findings on developing tween./teen savvy messages and relevant resources from the National Youth Anti-Drug Media Campaign and the Girl Scout Research Institute.
• Discuss the contributions of each collaborating organization to the National Youth Anti-Drug Media Campaign.
• Apply the lessons learned from and the relevant materials produced by the National Youth Anti-Drug Media Campaign to local drug prevention efforts targeted at adolescent girls.

Keywords: Child/Adolescent, Education

Related Web page: www.girlscouts.com and www.freevibe.com

Presenting author's disclosure statement:
Organization/institution whose products or services will be discussed: Girl Scouts of the USA and the White House Office of National Drug Control Policy’s (ONDCP) National Youth Anti-Drug Media Campaign
I do not have any significant financial interest/arrangement or affiliation with any organization/institution whose products or services are being discussed in this session.