Cape school district, Beebe, Soundcheck collaborate for adolescent substance use workshop

The Cape Henlopen School District and Beebe Healthcare collaborated with Soundcheck Prevention Network for an educational program about adolescent substance use, impact and prevention held April 30 at Cape High.

Parents, families and students, including those from other schools, were encouraged to attend to learn about the latest substance use trends and statistics, and how substance abuse affects a child’s mental and physical health, as well as brain development. The presentation was a continuation of events held in February, when the program was first introduced to the district.

Most of the event was centered around how parents can facilitate meaningful, open and ongoing conversations with their kids about how to navigate situations involving drugs and alcohol. It also helped to dispel misinformation about substance use and its effects.

Speakers included Soundcheck founder and CEO Will Straughan, Lee Bergeron and Stephanie Haines, who have all had their own journeys with substance abuse, addiction and recovery.

The attendees were mainly parents, and they had the opportunity to chat with other parents and ask questions, anonymously or not, about current substance use trends in a judgment-free space. There was much discussion about how to approach the topic of substance use with their kids without being too restrictive or too lenient.

Since Cape and Soundcheck have an ongoing partnership, they plan to host many more events like this in the future. Moving forward, they hope to bring out more attendees, especially students, and want to give students more of a role in shaping the program based on their experiences, thoughts and concerns.

Soundcheck has also held in-school conversations with students, during which they’ve been very curious, concerned, engaged and thoughtful, according to Haines. Those who’ve demonstrated willingness to get involved and be advocates for the program’s message have been invited to join a new Health and Wellness Committee at Cape High.

“It’s just such a joy to hear them and their ideas, and what they want to create,” Haines said. “The thing that stood out to us the most is they’re wanting to create a safe space for each other.”

Cape High Principal Kristin DeGregory hopes not only to facilitate these open and honest discussions about substance use, but also to highlight other healthy alternatives for students.

Timing is critical when it comes to these conversations, and events like this were intentionally scheduled for spring, just ahead of prom, graduation and other celebratory events, said Ryan Marshall, Beebe strategic communications manager, in a press release.

For more information, visit soundcheckprevention.org or email programs@soundcheckprevention.org.