YOUTHLEAD:  Service-Learning and Substance Abuse Prevention

Reducing underage drinking and substance abuse was the focus of a three-year (2006-2008) project with the Maine Office of Substance Abuse Prevention and three partner school districts – Millinocket, Mount Desert Island, and Westbrook Public Schools. The initiative engaged hundred of students in these communities in service-learning projects and improved collaboration and coordination between schools and community-based health organizations related to prevention.

Examples of student projects included:

• peer education about fetal alcohol syndrome
• Town Hall meetings to raise awareness about underage drinking and its impacts
• community surveys about underage drinking and public service announcements
• education of school faculty about the side effects of commonly used drugs and their impacts
• after school “Chem Free” programs for students

Another dimension of the project has been the creation of resources and tools on service-learning and substance abuse that can be shared with more students, teachers, and community organizations.