Schools

Rockwood Coalition Teens Take On Anti-Substance Abuse Training

Coalition successfully urged Chesterfield to pass the measure that puts adults on the hook for youth party offenses.

Rockwood school district teens Jessika Buehler (Eureka High School) and Madison Robinson (Rockwood Summit High School) went to a 4-day training in Nashville, TN, over substance abuse prevention.

Rockwood Drug-Free Coalition staff accompanied the students.

The local Coalition was instrumental in persuading Chesterfield police and city council that Chesterfield pass a new ordinance that holds adults responsible for youth parties at their homes, whether or not they are aware of it, or are at home.

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The students and staff were among 1,800 prevention specialists and students honing their skills in developing and implementing effective prevention programs. 

Both students, Buehler and Robinson are members of Rockwood Helping Others Remain Safe (RHORS), the youth arm of the coalition.

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“There were over 400 kids at this conference, but very few others from Missouri, and I was so glad to be one of them,” said Robinson. 

“I learned some new strategic skills and I know this will give us an edge in improving RHORS this year.  I’m excited to get started,” he said.

Renee Heney, Director of the Rockwood Drug-Free Coalition, and Shannon Green, Project and Youth Coordinator, attended the conference with the students. 

“We spent a week with other organizations and coalitions from across the country, and are anxious to put our prevention skills to work to help make our community a better place,” Green said.

CADCA’s Mid-Year Training Institute, held July 22nd-26th, is a unique conference designed specifically for community-based substance abuse prevention organizations. The conference covered a wide range of topics, including prescription drug abuse, underage and binge drinking, synthetic drugs, marijuana myths, and environmental strategies to combat these issues.


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