AC4C Quarterly Work Retreat- Virtual November 30

Due to MCTC offering the Evidence-based Drug Education course in early December (see below), we decided to move our retreat up a week to Thursday, November 30. This happens to be a 5th Thursday so we are hoping there are not as many regularly scheduled meetings for members. This also allows those who want to attend the MCTC course to do so. Since many of us just traveled to Camp Dodge for the Prevention Conference, we chose to have a one-day virtual meeting this quarter. Please register at this LINK for the virtual work retreat. By registering, you will be sure to get the Zoom link sent to you from MCTC before the meeting. Here is the agenda:

ONE Day only!

8:30 a.m. – 4:00 p.m.

8:30-9:00 a.m. – Introductions – One or two “things” you are thankful for this year. 

9:00-9:05 a.m. – Approval of September minutes

9:05-10:30 a.m. – State Partner Sharing: What are the opportunities for your agency to work with AC4C and for us to support each other’s efforts?

10:30-10:45 a.m. – Break

10:45 a.m.-Noon – State Partner Sharing Continued

Noon-1:00 p.m. – Lunch break

1:00-1:30 p.m. – Annual Evaluation Report from Mary Schissel, MS Consulting

1:30-2:45 p.m. – Action Team and Workgroup sharing: What can we help each other with?

2:45-3:00 p.m. – Break

3:00-4:00 p.m. – What’s one new activity in your coalition? Are any resources needed to help your coalition?

4:00-4:15 p.m. – Highlights of the Day & Upcoming Events

Hidden in Plain Sight

Have you heard of Hidden in Plain Sight (HIPS) mock teen bedroom scenes? In case you have not, it is a way to educate parents and other adults about what some of the drug-related items look like that may be found in a young person's bedroom, back pack, locker, or car. Different items can be signs of contemplation of drug use or actual drug use. Items range from clothing or other ordinary looking items with certain colors or words, or places to stash vapes, alcohol, and other drugs.

Several of our member coalitions do some version of the HIPS events, whether it is a trailer with a mock teen bedroom scene, a duffle full of a pop-up teen bedroom scene to set up at a school or other venue, or even just a backpack with various items to show during a health resource fair. If you are interested in this, please check out the AC4C website where the list of those who are implementing this strategy can be found.

The AC4C Prevention Conference was a Success!

We had at least 110 people at the Prevention Conference last week. The evaluations are coming back very positive. The youth were definitely a highlight! Attendees overwhelmingly enjoyed the keynote presenter, Monte Stiles. There are positive comments about every part of the day. Thank you for the suggestions on how to improve the conference and what topics you would like to see next year. Thanks to everyone who attended and helped make the conference awesome!

Upcoming Events and Retreat:

AC4C Next Quarterly Work Retreat

-November 30 (One day and Virtual Only) See agenda to the left or above. Register HERE.

2024 Day on the Hill:

-February 15

2024 Legislative Learning Event

-March 26, 7 a.m.

Resources to Share and Links to check out... 

Members, keep up with the latest in the news

AC4C on Facebook

AC4C Youth on Instagram

Looking for a training

Iowa Board of Certification

Iowa ODCP

Iowa State Patrol

Iowa Health and Human Services & Your Life Iowa

Partnership for A Healthy Iowa

Do you know about RALI Iowa?

Check out this organization and information about their virtual trailer HERE

More resources...

Governor's Traffic Safety Bureau

Drive Smart Iowa

National Highway Traffic Safety Administration

Traffic Safety Marketing

Stop Drugged Driving

AC4C members, state partners and others, if you have teens in your coalitions, schools, family, or other areas of your life who might be interested in being a part of AC4C Youth,

they, or you, can send an email to: ac4cyouth@gmail.com

Environmental Scans

There are still a few days left to conduct your two marijuana-related environmental scans. Check out the form at AC4C.org where you can submit the information or email Jennifer at jhusmann@asac.us to get the form to use and email, scan or fax it back, along with your photos!

Evidence-based Drug Education Course

at MCTC

December 4 - 7, 2023

Course Description

Evidence Based Drug Education (EBDE) is:

-Scientifically Grounded: Our curriculum isn't just evidence-based; it's founded on a robust body of scientific research, ensuring that you receive accurate, up-to-date, and impactful knowledge.

-Community-Centric: EBDE doesn't just stop at imparting knowledge. It empowers attendees to recognize warning signs, stay updated on drug trends, and actively contribute to their communities' well-being.

-Versatile Application: Whether you're in the military, law enforcement, or any organization working with youth aged 10-17, EBDE provides the tools to tailor presentations to your audience and style, ensuring maximum impact.

Key Takeaways

-Understand the history of drug abuse

-Gain a deep understanding of the physiological and behavioral effects of various drugs.

-Learn to identify and address the social challenges arising from drug abuse.

-Acquire tools to create customized presentations that resonate with your audience.

-Stay ahead of drug trends and effectively alert your community.

Who Should Attend?

This course is ideal for:

-Professionals from organizations working with youth between 10-17 years of age.

-Law enforcement and military personnel aiming to enhance both internal drug prevention training and community outreach.

-Anyone passionate about combating drug abuse and making a positive difference in their community.

In order to graduate, students will take a written multiple-choice test and will be required to give a five minute presentation over one of the course topics.

Topics Included:

-Drug categories

-Basic brain process

-How specific drugs affect the brain

-Overview of specific drugs (e.g., marijuana, methamphetamine, heroin) -Synthetics -Drug recognition -Federal drug scheduling

Course Length

Evidence Based Drug Education is a 3.5 Day (28 Hour) course.

Prerequisites

There are no prerequisites to attend this course.

Tuition/Fees

There is no cost to attend this training. There is limited no cost lodging available.

Register HERE

As usual at MCTC, registration for this course is restricted to US military law enforcement personnel along with other local, state, and federal civilian law enforcement employees to include criminal analysts, and corrections officers and substance abuse prevention specialists, substance abuse treatment personnel, school resource officers, school resource deputies, community trainers, and National Guard demand reduction personnel.

Join an Action Team or Work Group session every month!

Access the action team meetings on Mondays. Login information here

Other Substances Action Team

Next meeting- December 4 @ 9:30

Marijuana Action Team

Next meetings- December 11 @ 9:30



Nicotine Action Team 

Next meetings- (No Nov. meeting) December 18 @ 9:30

Alcohol Action Team

Next meetings- November 27 @ 9:30. There will be no December Alcohol Action Team due to the holiday.

_______________________________

Policy Work Group

Chair:  

Jennifer Husmann

Co-Chair: 

Maggie Ballard



4th Wednesday at 2:00 pm

Meeting information can be found here

Click here for meeting minutes

Purpose: To collaborate with the community and statewide entities to advocate and educate on substance abuse legislation, policies, and related issues.

_________________________________

Capacity/Marketing Work Group

Chair:

Jackie Preston

New Co-Chair:

Chris Courtney

3rd Monday at 2:00 pm

Click here for meeting minutes

Purpose: Create a network of professionals that have diverse knowledge, experience, and interests to build skills and provide resources to members of AC4C. 

For help quitting tobacco call Quitline Iowa at 800-Quit-Now