K-2 "The Synthetic Marijuana" There is a new drug making its way into the hands of teens all over the U.S. The drug known as "K-2" is a synthetic chemical similar to Tetrahydrocannabinol (THC). The effects of the drug are similar to speed and can cause the user an even greater impairment than marijuana. The use of this new drug has lead to many accidents, and across the Midwest several states are outlawing the manufacture and selling of this drug. This new drug is dangerous and until it is federally banned will continue to be exploited by teens across America. All of the dangers and effects of this new drug are not completely known which makes it an issue that needs to be addressed immediately. The police and lawmakers need to be informed of this new drug so laws can be put into place to keep our teens safe. Click here for more information. Click here for additional information.

What exactly is SLOMming?
S.L.O.M. stands for "Sticking Leeches On Myself", this ridiculous trend came about from an advertisement by the organization "Above the Influence". The purpose of this advertisement was to show the act of engaging in an activity without thinking in order to "do what everyone else is doing" even if it is something as grotesque as sticking leeches over your body. In addition, the image of leeches (or parasites) literally "suck the life" out of you as do drugs. The advertisement is a powerful statement teaching us to stand up against peer pressure. Surprisingly enough, some kids and teens have tried this in reality and have found no "high" as a result, however, extensive SLOMming can result in fatigue. Click here for more information.

Legalizing Marijuana in New Jersey In spite of the abundant studies highlighting the risks of legalizing marijuana, the New Jersey Legislature recently voted to legalize medical marijuana. According to the National Institute on Drug Abuse, this will only lead to an increase in marijuana abuse in teenagers. One state in particular, California, has in fact legalized medical marijuana and is now suffering the consequences with an increase in robberies and drug abuse surrounding medical marijuana stores or "pot shops". Click here for more information.

Teens and Prescription Drugs Teens in recent years have been turning away from street drugs and instead using prescription drugs to get high. Prescription drug use is now second in line to marijuana as the most common illegal drugs teens are using. Although teens think that they are medically in the clear because it was "prescribed" it still causes an equal or even more severe threat when the drugs are abused comparatively to street drugs such as heroin or marijuana.

12 Signs you or a friend may be struggling with a mental illness
Activeminds is an organization that actively seeks to educate and inform individuals about mental health. As part of their effort they have put together a list that tells teens what to look for and how they can tell if they or a friend needs to seek help. It includes 12 different signs and symptoms they can look for and be aware of. Also included are some warning signs of suicide and tips on how to help a friend that may be experiencing these signs. It is an excellent guide to explaining what mental illness can look like and what you role you can play in helping.
Click here for more information.

National Institute of Health's Monitoring the Future Survey. The National Institute on Drug Abuse and the University of Michigan released the findings from the 2009 Monitoring the Future Survey. The survey showed that while there were decreases in the use of cocaine, methamphetamine and LSD among youth, marijuana and prescription drug abuse showed no signs of slowing down. This toolkit includes tools that coalitions can use to obtain local media coverage of these findings, such as talking points, a news summary of the findings and a news release template." It's from the CADCA website www.cadca.org/resources/detail/mtf-media-outreach-toolkit. View NIH Highlights. View NIH Fact Sheets.

Red Ribbon Week 2009 To read the article from The King of Prissia Courier about Red Ribbon Week. Click here.

Media Advisory Upper Merion Students participated in the “Act Out Loud: Raising Voices for Safe Teen Driving” Contest. View PSA 1, View PSA 2.

Youth in Prevention Community Alliance for a Safer Tomorrow was chosen as a participant in the 100 Pioneers for Smoking Cessation Virtual Leadership Academy offered by the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services! As one of the 100 Pioneers nationwide, CAST will conduct a smoking cessation project to help reduce tobacco use in the Upper Merion Area. It is an honor to be chosen to help reduce the single most preventable cause of death in the United States. Click here for more information about smoking cessation initiatives.

Congratulations to the Upper Merion Area Middle School CAST/ SADD club! Congratulations to all the students who participated in creating an informative and creative public service announcement on preventing alcohol use. The public service announcement was submitted to the “Sound Off ” PSA Contest sponsored by the Pennsylvania National Guard Counterdrug Program and Drug Free Pennsylvania and each student received an official certificate of appreciation for their participation. Every effort to reduce substance abuse and violence counts!

Latest Press Release:

FDA Center for Tobacco Products issues a new rule
Washington D.C, March 18, 2010 - On March 18, 2010, the FDA Center for Tobacco Products issued a new rule to protect kids from tobacco addiction and premature death from tobacco use. The new rule becomes effective June 22, 2010 and prohibits the sale, distribution, and marketing of cigarettes and smokeless tobacco to youth, including: Sale and Distribution Regulations.
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A Message from the Principal
KING OF PRUSSIA, PA, February 10, 2010 - The Upper Merion Area's local anti- drug and anti- violence coalition, Community Alliance for a Safer Tomorrow, conducted its first scholarship essay contest in conjunction with the District Attorney's Office of Montgomery County from mid- November until the end of December 2009. There were over forty essays submitted between the juniors and seniors seeking help for their college application fees and first semester books.
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CAST Seminar - “Minding Your Mind” Public Education Program
KING OF PRUSSIA, PA, November 23, 2009 - Ross Szabo is handsome, charismatic and popular. “I was captain of the high school basketball team, invited to all of the parties and had a lot of friends. What people didn’t know is that I cried when I was alone, drank until I passed out and wanted to kill myself.”
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New Community Coalition Strives to Decrease and Prevent Substance Abuse and Violence Among Youth in the Upper Merion Area
KING OF PRUSSIA, PA, May 19, 2008 - Thanks to a recent grant, the Upper Merion Area School District has launched a new community coalition that offers prevention and interventionprograms that decrease and prevent substance abuse and violence.
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Recent Events:

Crash Demonstration
The crash demonstration was held on May 15, 2008, the day before the Junior prom, at the Upper Merion Area High School.
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