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Health & Fitness

Novato Student Shines Light on National Substance Abuse Prevention Month

The mission of the Novato Blue Ribbon Coalition for Youth is to positively impact the well-being of Novato youth through community action, policy advocacy and education.

By Danielle O'Reilly

I am a junior at Novato High School who is involved with the Leadership and Friday Night Live programs on campus. As an active member of both groups, I work with others to try to convince teens to stop consuming alcohol and drugs.

Since October is National Substance Abuse Prevention Month, we are really trying to reach out to make a change in our school and community.  For Red Ribbon Week, Friday Night Live is passing out stickers that promote not engaging in substance use and holding a booth at lunch to make students more aware of the negative consequences of drinking.  Friday Night Live also had a float in Novato's Homecoming Parade as a way spread our message to a larger group.  

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As leaders, we are fighting to make this important change not only at Novato High, but also in our community.  Teenagers shouldn't be drinking because it is a dangerous behavior, can lead to problems in the future, and is breaking the law.   In order to make a change, we need the support of the entire community.  

Parents need to warn their children about the dangers of drinking.  The media needs to send the right message about substance use.  Stores need to make alcohol inaccessible to minors.  With the help of the entire community, we can make a huge difference in our town and stop teens from engaging in activities that include drinking and drugs.

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The mission of the Novato Blue Ribbon Coalition for Youth is to positively impact the well-being of Novato youth through community action, policy advocacy and education.  This shall be accomplished by: 1. reducing alcohol and marijuana use, and 2. reducing incidences of bullying.

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