Wednesday, June 27, 2018
Van Buren County IPFS Project Update
The Van Buren County SAFE Coalition was awarded the Iowa Partnership for
Success (IPFS) Grant in February, 2015 to address underage drinking and
underage binge drinking in Van Buren County.
The coalition began the fourth year of this five year grant on September
30, 2017. The Van Buren County SAFE
Coalition’s IPFS project is funded by the Iowa Department of Public Health
(IDPH), through the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration
(SAMHSA) of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services.
During the 2017-18 Fiscal Year the coalition is continuing to build
capacity & sustainability, evaluate the work being done, and implement the
five strategies it was funded to work on as follows:
1) Alcohol Restrictions at Community Events at Privately Owned
Facilities: The coalition is working with privately owned facilities to help
them implement alcohol policies focused on the Best Practices for Alcohol
Service at their location. During the
2016-17 Fiscal Year four facilities established or continued with their “No
Alcohol Allowed” policies (two of these are verbal only policies); the
coalition worked with two other facilities to develop written Alcohol
Restriction Policies and were in contact with three other facilities about
whether or not they would like to develop policies for their facilities. During the 2017-18 Fiscal Year the coalition
members have continued to work with five facilities that are open to a new
written policy and are meeting with two new facilities who may be interested in
a written policy. The coalition has
heard from two of the seven facilities that they are not interested in written
policies. One has a verbal no alcohol
allowed policy and one does not want a policy at this time. Another facility implemented a formal no
alcohol allowed policy for part of the facility and a formal alcohol
restrictions policy for the other part of the facility. The coalition will continue to work with the
four facilities who are or may be interested in establishing alcohol
policies.
2) Alcohol Restrictions in Public Places: During the 2016-17 Fiscal
Year the coalition researched what alcohol restriction policies are being
followed in each town and in the county.
Coalition members visited with each city council in July to present them
with information on policies they could use that would address the availability
of alcohol to youth in public places, such as public parks and community ball
fields. Coalition members again visited
with the city councils in January and March to find out if they are interested
in implementing Alcohol Restriction Policies for their public places. Four towns
have now stated that they are not interested in implementing Alcohol
Restriction Ordinances at this time. Another
town believes that they do have written policies for their Ball Park and City Park
and are checking into that. One town is
allowing the coalition to participate in a community event planning committee
that will set policy for their community events and may allow a policy through
this committee. One town is still
willing to discuss the possibility of a policy during a work session. The coalition is now working to find ways to
work with the towns that have said they are not interested in ordinances.
3) Substance Abuse Prevention Programs for Youth: The coalition is
working with the Van Buren Community School District to implement the Botvin
Life Skills Training Program in the 7th and 8th grades. During the 2016-17 school year the 7th and
8th grade students all completed Level I of the curriculum. During the 2017-18 school year all of the 7th
grade students completed Level I of the curriculum and all but one of the 8th
grade students completed Level II as the curriculum builds on the information
provided each year. The 8th grade students were also able to complete an
additional module that addressed prescription drug safety with the help of the
Jefferson, Keokuk, Van Buren, and Washington Decategorization Board (Decat
Board). For the 2018-19 school year the curriculum will be taught by a
different teacher so, the coalition and school district with the help of the Decat
Board are making sure the teacher is trained and ready for the new school year
to implement the Life Skills program.
4) Underage Drinking Prevention Media Campaign: The coalition has
worked with local media outlets to implement IDPH’s “What Do You Throw Away”
underage drinking prevention media campaign.
It is currently displayed on posters in the Van Buren County Hospital
& Clinics; posters and screensavers at local libraries; and posters,
electronic billboard ads, and computer backgrounds at the Van Buren Community
Middle/High School. During the summer of 2017 the campaign was also displayed
in poster form at local convenience stores, the Keosauqua Pool, and at Lacey
Keosauqua State Park. The coalition
members are currently working with local outlets again to have the posters displayed
for youth to see during the summer of 2018.
5) Social Host Ordinance: A Social Host Ordinance addresses the problem
of adults knowingly providing a place for an underage drinking party. The coalition currently is working to educate
community members and government officials on why this ordinance would be
helpful in Van Buren County and to build support for the ordinance. The coalition hosted one community
conversation on June 7, 2018 to help educate community members about the
ordinance, how to approach local government officials to encourage support for
the ordinance and to allow for discussion on the need for such policies in Van
Buren County. The coalition will be
hosting two additional community conversations on July 12, 2018 at 12:00 pm and
August 8, 2018 at 6:00 pm at the Great Day Café.
Wednesday, June 20, 2018
HELP US SAVE LIVES THIS FOURTH OF JULY - BUZZED DRIVING IS DRUNK DRIVING
For the past
242 years, on July 4th, Americans have celebrated the birth of our
great nation. We set off fireworks, fly our flags, and partake in backyard
barbecues and pool parties galore. But as the celebrations wind down and
friends and families head home, it’s vital we all work together to spread this
life-saving message: Buzzed Driving Is
Drunk Driving. This Independence Day, the Van Buren County Sheriff’s
Office, SAFE Coalition and the U.S.
Department of Transportation’s National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA)
want to remind you that any time you drive under the influence of alcohol, you
put everyone in danger, including yourself. During the Fourth of July holiday weekend,
make sure you plan for a safe week of festivities.
During
the 2016 Fourth of July holiday (6 p.m. July 2 to 5:59 a.m. July 6), 188 people
were killed in crashes involving at least one driver or motorcycle operator
with a blood alcohol concentration (BAC) of .08 or higher. This is a 28-percent
increase from 2015, during which 146 people were killed during the same holiday
period. That’s 188 families who will forever remember Independence Day with a
heavy heart and nightmarish memories.
We want our
community to enjoy the Fourth of July holiday, but we want them to do so
responsibly. This is why we’ve partnered with NHTSA to help get the message out
that Buzzed Driving Is Drunk Driving.
This is not a joke, and it’s not a time to test the laws. Drunk driving is
illegal, but it’s also deadly. It’s deadly to the driver, to the driver’s
passengers, and to other road users in this community. We’re imploring you:
Please ensure you have a sober driver lined up to get you home safely from your
holiday festivities. Doing so could save a life.
According to
NHTSA, 37,461 people were killed in motor vehicle traffic crashes in 2016, and
28 percent (10,497) of those fatalities occurred in a crash during which the
driver had a BAC over the legal limit of .08. With Fourth of July festivities
wrapping up in the evening or late at night, more cars will be on the roads. The
rate of alcohol impairment among drivers involved in fatal crashes is higher at
night. During the 2016 July Fourth holiday period, it was more than three times
higher at night than it was during the day.
We need
every single adult who plans to drive on the Fourth of July to hear us loud and
clear. Drunk driving is deadly. It’s a selfish decision that jeopardizes the
lives of many. Please work with us and designate a sober driver. If you plan to
be the sober driver, then don’t drink, not even one — your friends are relying
on you.
This Fourth
of July, the Van Buren County Sheriff’s Office, SAFE Coalition and NHTSA urge
drivers to designate a sober driver before heading out for the evening. If you
plan on drinking, plan how you will get around without driving. Remember these
tips for a safe night on the roads:
·
Remember that it is never okay to
drive after drinking. Even if you’ve had only one alcoholic beverage, designate
a sober driver.
·
Download NHTSA’s SaferRide mobile
app, available on Google Play for Android devices: (https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.nhtsa.SaferRide&hl=en), and Apple’s iTunes Store for iOS devices: (https://itunes.apple.com/us/app/saferride/id950774008?mt=8). SaferRide allows users to call a predetermined friend, and
identifies the user’s location so they can be picked up.
·
If you see a drunk driver on the
road, contact the Van Buren County Sheriff’s Office
·
Have a friend who is about to
drink and drive? Take the keys away and make arrangements to get your friend
home safely.
Drinking and driving is
dangerous, even if you’re “just buzzed.” When you drive impaired, you risk your
life and safety, and the lives and safety of those riding with you and around
you. Does mortality not get your attention? Maybe money will: A DUI arrest
could cost you up to $10,000, not to mention the loss of your vehicle and
driver’s license. You could face jail time, higher insurance rates, and hefty
expenses from attorney fees, fines, car towing, repairs, and lost time at work.
Imagine trying to explain that to your family, friends, or employer.
Friday, June 15, 2018
Know the Facts about Boating & Drinking
Operating a Motorboat or Sailboat While Intoxicated
–Boaters are reminded that alcohol reduces reaction
time and the ability to make quick, sound judgments in an emergency situation.
Also, wind, sun, glare off the water, and water movement multiplies the effects
of alcohol. The current blood alcohol
level for boating while intoxicated (BWI) is .08 percent – the same as a motor
vehicle as of July 2011. Operating a motorboat or sailboat while under the influence of alcohol (.08 alcohol level or higher), a controlled substance, or other illegal chemical is unlawful. For the purpose of BWI, "operating a motorboat" means the motorboat is powered by a motor that is running. For the purposes of BWI, "operating a sailboat" means the sailboat is either powered by a motor that is running or has sails hoisted and is underway. Operators who are impaired may be required to take tests by an enforcement officer to determine their sobriety. Anyone refusing to test will be charged a penalty. All navigable waters in the state of Iowa will be subject to the new law, except farm ponds and privately owned lakes.
First
Offense: A Serious Misdemeanor – A serious
misdemeanor can result in the following punishments:
- Imprisonment in county jail for at least 48 hours.
- Assessment of a fine up to $1,000.
- Loss of boat operating privileges for one year.
- Assignment to a substance abuse evaluation and treatment, and a
course for drinking drivers.
Second Offense: An Aggravated Misdemeanor – An aggravated misdemeanor can result in the following punishments:
- Imprisonment in county jail or community-based correctional
facility for at least seven days.
- Assessment of a $1,500 to $5,000 fine.
- Loss of boat operating privileges for two years.
- Assignment to a substance abuse evaluation and treatment, and a
course for drinking drivers.
Third Offense: A Class "D" Felony – A class "D" felony can result in the following punishments:
- Imprisonment in the county jail for 30 days to one year.
- Assessment of a $2,500 to $7,500 fine.
- Loss of boat operating privileges for six years.
- Assignment to a substance abuse evaluation and treatment, and a
course for drinking drivers.
Consequences
of Refusing to Test – Refusing to submit to a breath
or chemical test can result in a $500 fine and a one year suspension of boat
operating privileges. If the offender, during the second offense, refuses to
submit to a test, a $1,000 fine will be assigned plus suspension of boat
operating privileges. Third-time offenders will receive a $2,000 fine and
suspension of boat operating privileges.
Questions
& Answers
Can I drink alcohol on the boat? Yes, consuming alcohol is permissible on the boat, but remember the operator is not to be under the influence.
Can I drink alcohol on the boat? Yes, consuming alcohol is permissible on the boat, but remember the operator is not to be under the influence.
Will a boating while
intoxicated (BWI) offense affect my driver's license? No, a boating
while intoxicated (BWI) offense will not be transferred to your automobile
driving records.
How much alcohol
can I consume to be considered legally drunk?
That
depends on the individual. Use extra precaution while drinking on the boat
because sun, wind and movement can quickly amplify the effects of alcohol and
disorient the operator or passengers.
The information for this article came from the Iowa DNR website. For more information contact Iowa Department of Natural Resources at 515-281-5918 or at webmaster@dnr.iowa.gov
The information for this article came from the Iowa DNR website. For more information contact Iowa Department of Natural Resources at 515-281-5918 or at webmaster@dnr.iowa.gov
Suicide Rates Up Nationally, Iowa Ranks 31 in U.S.
A Centers for Disease Control (CDC)
Vital Signs report released today finds suicide rates in the U.S. have risen
nearly 30 percent since 1999 and mental health conditions are one of several
factors contributing to the rise. From 1999-2016, suicide rates increased in
nearly every state, with 25 states experiencing increases of more than 30
percent each; Iowa is one of those states.
From 2014 to 2016, Iowa’s age-adjusted
annual suicide rate per 100,000 was 16.0, up from 11.8 from 1999 to 2001. Iowa
currently ranks 31 in the U.S. for suicide rate, an improvement from 18 in
1999-2001 time period. A range of factors contributes to suicide beyond mental
health conditions alone, including relationship, substance use, physical
health, job, financial and legal problems. If you are dealing with thoughts of
suicide or are concerned that someone may be thinking about suicide, visit
www.YourLifeIowa.com for free confidential help by phone, text or online chat.
“Suicide is a serious public health
issue that affects not just the individuals who die by suicide and their
families, but also our communities and society as a whole,” said Tiffany Conroy
of the Iowa Department of Public Health (IDPH) Office of Disability, Injury and
Violence Prevention. “Fortunately, like
other public health issues, suicide can be preventable. By addressing risk and
protective factors impacting communities, we can decrease the feelings of
isolation and stigma often experienced by people who have thoughts of suicide,
and have a positive impact on the health and well-being of our society. We can
save lives.”
The CDC has identified several
protective factors that lessen the risk for suicide. Some of these include:
·
Feeling connected
to others – joining community or other groups that promote a feeling of
belonging.
·
Learning coping
and problem-solving skills – this could include parenting or family
relationship classes, or other learning opportunities.
·
Reducing
excessive alcohol use – this includes supportive community policies.
To learn more about the CDC’s resilience
factors, visit https://www.cdc.gov/violenceprevention/pdf/suicide-factsheet.pdf. To read the
CDC’s report on suicide, visit www.cdc.gov/vitalsigns/suicide/index.html.
IDPH News Release
Contact: Polly Carver-Kimm
Thursday, June 7, 2018
Dads, could your kids be at risk for substance abuse?
These five questions, developed by the Child and Family Center at the University of Oregon, highlight skills that are important in preventing the initiation and progression of drug use among youth. For each question, there is a video clip on line at http://www.drugabuse.gov/family-checkup that shows positive and negative examples of the skill and additional videos and information are provided to help you practice.
Questions:
- Are you able to communicate calmly
and clearly with your teenager regarding relationship problems?
- Do you encourage positive behaviors
in your teenager on a daily basis?
- Are you able to negotiate emotional
conflicts with your teenager and work toward a solution?
- Are you able to calmly set limits
when your teenager is defiant or disrespectful? Are you able to set limits
on more serious problem behavior such as drug use, if or when it occurs?
- Do you monitor your teenager to
assure that they do not spend too much unsupervised time with peers?
For more
information on talking to your teens about substance abuse please contact the
SAFE Coalition at 319-293-3334 ext. 1017 or by email at safe.coalition@van-burencsd.org. For other resources please check out the coalition’s blog at http://vbsafecoalition.blogspot.com or on Facebook – Van
Buren County SAFE Coalition
Article and
data provided by the National Institute on Drug Abuse Website.
References
- Dishion, T.J.; Nelson, N.E.; Kavanagh, K. The Family Check-Up with high-risk
young adolescents: Preventing early-onset substance use by parent monitoring.
Behavior Therapy 34: 553-571, 2003.
- Dishion,T.J.; Kavanagh, K.; Schneiger, A.;
Nelson, S.; Kaufman, N.K. Preventing
early adolescent substance use: A family-centered strategy for the public
middle school. Prevention Science 3 (3): 191-201, 2002.
Friday, June 1, 2018
Botvin Life Skills Training Curriculum
The Van Buren County SAFE
Coalition was awarded the Iowa Partnership for Success (IPFS) Grant in 2015 to
address underage drinking and underage binge drinking in Van Buren County. The Van Buren County SAFE Coalition’s IPFS
project is funded by the Iowa Department of Public Health, through the
Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) of the U.S.
Department of Health and Human Services.
In June of
2016 the Iowa Department of Public Health approved the use of the Botvin Life
Skills Training Curriculum at the Van Buren Community Jr. /Sr. High School to
address underage drinking and underage binge drinking in Van Buren County. On July 20, 2016 the Van Buren Community
School Board approved the implementation of the program in the 7th
and 8th grade Explore Rotation.
During the
2017-18 school year the 7th grade students completed the Level I Life Skills
classes and the 8th grade students completed the Level II Life
Skills classes with the Life Skills Teacher, Mindie Donald during their Explore
Rotation. The 8th grade
students also completed an additional online module from the Life Skills
developers that addresses prescription drug safety. All but one student completed the full
program during the 2017-18 school year.
The pre and post-surveys showed an increase in understanding of skills
in addressing self-image and self-improvement, making decisions, smoking: myths
and realities, smoking and biofeedback, alcohol: myths and realities, marijuana:
myths and realities, advertising, violence and the media, coping with anxiety, coping
with anger, communication skills, social skills, assertiveness, and resolving conflicts. Mrs. Donald has shared that the classes
allowed for good discussion, had good involvement, and are helpful for the
students in Van Buren County.
In the 2018-19
school year the new 7th grade students will participate in Level I of
the program and 8th grade students will participate in Level II as the
Life Skills Curriculum builds on the information provided each year. The 8th grade students will also
continue to utilize the online additional prescription drug module.
The Botvin LifeSkills Training Middle
School program is a groundbreaking substance abuse and violence prevention
program based on more than 30 years of rigorous scientific research. LifeSkills
Training is comprehensive and developmentally designed to promote
positive youth development. In addition to helping kids resist drug, alcohol,
and tobacco use, the LifeSkills Training Middle School program
also effectively supports the reduction of violence and other
high-risk behaviors.
The program learning objectives
area as follows:
·
Personal
Self-Management Skills: Students develop skills that
help them enhance self-esteem, develop problem-solving abilities, reduce
stress and anxiety, and manage anger.
·
General
Social Skills: Students gain skills to meet
personal challenges such as overcoming shyness, communicating clearly, building
relationships, and avoiding violence.
·
Drug
Resistance Skills: Students build effective defenses
against pressures to use tobacco, alcohol, and other drugs.
For more information on the Life
Skills Training curriculum, please contact the SAFE Coalition at 319-293-3334
ext. 1017 or safe.coalition@van-burencsd.org
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