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Eleven Allies for Substance Abuse Prevention (ASAP) Youth Ambassadors from Anderson County, Clinton, and Oak Ridge high schools traveled to the State Capitol to take part in Prevention Alliance of Tennessee’s Day on the Hill. On this day, coalitions from all across the state come together to advocate for substance abuse prevention in Tennessee. By joining forces with The Prevention Alliance of Tennessee (PAT), the ASAP Youth Ambassadors are able to further the mission to prevent and reduce substance abuse in Anderson County, a press release said.
During the visit, these students had the opportunity to have private meetings with Lieutenant Governor Randy McNally, Representative John Ragan, and Representative Dennis Powers to educate them about the issues that are important to them. Currently, these issues include the desire to have tobacco-free parks in Anderson County, the risks involved with legalizing medical or other uses of marijuana, and support for opioid abuse reduction.
These Ambassadors work hard in many ways throughout the year to prevent and reduce substance abuse, the press release said.
ASAP Project Director Stacey Pratt said: “This was an incredible opportunity for these students to see how they can be an active participant in the governmental process. I so greatly appreciate these elected officials taking the time to meet with them and truly caring about what they had to say.”
The trip was made possible through financial support from the Anderson County Health Department. Donovan Harrington (Anderson County High School), Mary Tuskan (Clinton High School), and Jenifer Laurendine (Oak Ridge Schools) chaperoned the event. “This group of students have worked hard to prevent substance abuse in their schools and throughout the county and should be commended on their leadership skills,” said Laurendine, Oak Ridge Schools Coordinated School Health coordinator.
If you would like to find out more about supporting ASAP and substance abuse prevention in Anderson County, please contact ASAP at (865) 457-3007. For more information about programs and initiatives of Oak Ridge Schools Coordinated School Health, please visit www.ortn.edu or visit the ORS Coordinated School Health Facebook Page.
This press release was written by Jen Laurendine, Oak Ridge Schools Coordinated School Health.
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