Xenia Daily Gazette
CEDARVILLE — Substance abuse is a growing concern in the United States. That’s why Gov. John Kasich has made it a priority to put in place programs that can slow it down in Ohio.
The initiative “Start Talking!” is a youth drug prevention campaign created by the governor and First Lady Karen Kasich to prevent drug use before it ever starts. Based on national research, children are 50 percent less likely to use drugs when their parents or a trusted adult talks with them about drug use.
This statewide initiative seeks to promote health by educating residents of the dangers of any form of substance abuse, including prescription drugs. Start Talking! includes free, bi-weekly email tips that include current information on substance abuse and action steps for talking with you about this subject.
The Governor’s Office of Faith-Based and Community Initiatives is working with Cedarville University’s School of Pharmacy to create educational resources on drug abuse that can be shared in churches across the state. Presently, parents and other caring adults can sign up on the StartTalking.Ohio.Gov website to receive the parent tips.
“Drug Abuse is tearing apart families in neighborhoods across our state and we’re pleased that Cedarville University is a partner in our efforts to tackle this epidemic,” said Kim Hettel, director of faith-based and community initiatives. “Their eagerness to jumpstart conversations with Christian leaders and host Start Talking! programs will increase the probability that more young people can have a conversation about the dangers of drugs and fulfill their full potential.”
Through this program, Cedarville’s School of Pharmacy will provide presentations, brochures and other literature in churches.
“By creating educational resources with a biblical basis, we can provide a tremendous service to Ohioans” said Marc Sweeney, dean of the school of pharmacy. “The biblically focused resources will help church leadership across the state can better educate their congregations on drug abuse.”
The Start Talking! program is just one of the ways Cedarville’s School of Pharmacy is helping to combat Ohio’s growing drug abuse problem. Students are also providing drug abuse education programs to elementary, middle and high school students throughout the Miami Valley, while also working with addiction support groups, drug-related ministries and court-ordered rehabilitation programs.
