Generation RX Program
Prescription and over-the-counter medicines are typically accessible and visible in our homes, and children should understand prescription and over-the-counter medication safety at an early age. The Generation RX program are age-appropriate, engaging resources that educate children about medication safety principles, equipping them with a foundation for understanding how to use medicines safely before they enter their teen and adult years.
This program can be implemented in small or large groups, as stand-alone activities or in combination with other lessons. Some activities may be better suited for younger children (grades K-2), while others may be more appropriate for older students (grades 3-5).
Middle & High Schoool
Substance Misuse Prevention Education
The Effects of Using and Abusing Substances presentation is an interactive presentation for middle and high school aged teens, and is presented by MDC’s Youth Initiatives Director. The presentation addresses all areas of substance use, including:
Common myths about substance use
Scope of the drug use problem in the U.S.
Most commonly abused drugs among Knoxville teens
Why people use drugs
What is drug abuse
Decision making and refusal skills
An overview of different substances (i.e. alcohol, tobacco, e-cigs, marijuana, Rx drugs, as well as other illicit drugs)
How substances affect our bodies
Development of our brain and how drugs affect our brains
Understanding addiction
Peer pressure and choosing the right friends
Throughout these presentations, students are encouraged to ask questions and to be interactive with the presenter. Students are challenged to focus on not only how drugs affect their own lives and their own bodies now, but how their decisions affect them in the future, as well as how their decisions affect other people. These presentations are available for organizations that work with teens, as well as middle and high schools in Knox County – both public and private sectors.
Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs)
Adverse childhood experiences, or ACEs, are potentially traumatic events that occur in childhood (0-17 years). For example:
- experiencing violence, abuse, or neglect
- witnessing violence in the home or community
- having a family member attempt or die by suicide
Also included are aspects of the child’s environment that can undermine their sense of safety, stability, and bonding such as growing up in a household with:
- substance misuse
- mental health problems
- instability due to parental separation or household members being in jail or prison
ACEs are linked to chronic health problems, mental illness, and substance misuse in adulthood. ACEs can also negatively impact education and job opportunities. However, ACEs can be prevented. If you are interested in having an MDC staff member come to your school or business to educate your team on ACES, please email one of the contacts below. Or, to learn more about ACEs, visit their website below.
