Social Emotional Learning

Prevention of substance misuse before it becomes a concern is arguably our best solution in stopping the impacts of substance use disorder. Many communities address this broad topic area of “prevention” in schools and other youth based forums. When offering prevention education, it is important that we offer evidenced-based prevention programming. An offer evidenced-based prevention program is a program that has been proven through unbiased research to lead to positive results. If we are able to provide consistent evidenced-based prevention programming across communities, such as in Greater Lowell, data has shown measurable results in reducing the impact of substance misuse and abuse.

Botvin LifeSkills Training (LST) has been available for over thirty years and as such has over thirty years of data showing strong results. LST is cost-effective for communities to implement, simple to adapt to existing youth programming in any setting, and provides youth a strong foundation in their ability to make healthy decisions as they grow into adulthood.

Botvin Life Skill Training (LST) is an evidence-based substance abuse and violence prevention program that is being used in schools and communities throughout the United States and in over 30 countries around the world. LST has been extensively tested and proven to reduce tobacco, alcohol, and illicit drug use by as much as 80%. Long-term follow-up studies show that it produces prevention effects that are durable and long-lasting.

Visit www.lifeskillstraining.com for more information. Click HERE to go directly to the middle school resources that can be used virtually or in person.

Maria Ruggiero, a local prevention specialist and coordinator of the Tewksbury Substance Abuse Prevention Collaborative (SAPC), became an LST trainer in 2018. What this means for the Greater Lowell community is that the higher costs and difficulties in coordinating days and times to hold LST trainings with teachers, agencies, and communities are mitigated. Maria is able to work with local schools and youth-serving agencies to find workable schedules with minimal cost to host sites. Maria, as our local trainer, is able to facilitate LST trainings from elementary through high school/transition ages. Maria meets with schools, youth programs, and parent and community groups to offer information sessions on LST and LST trainings.

Looking to order free elementary and middle school materials? Check out the Mass Clearing House.

For further information, please contact:

Maria Ruggiero – Tewksbury SAPC Coordinator Tewksbury Police Department 918 Main Street, Tewksbury, MA 01876 978-851-7373 x352 MRuggiero@tewksbury-ma.gov

 

References: https://www.lifeskillstraining.com/category/press-releases/