Savannah Chosen to Participate in Nationwide Anti-Drug Campaign for Teens

Oct. 21, 2010 - PRLog -- SAVANNAH, GA - The YMCA of Coastal Georgia has partnered with the White House Office of National Drug Control Policy’s (ONDCP) National Youth Anti-Drug Media Campaign to empower teens to reject drug use and other risky behaviors.  

Through the Above the Influence (ATI) media campaign, local teens are given the opportunity to inform and inspire the national campaign with their own perspectives and input. It’s easy for teens to have a voice by going to this website: http://www.abovetheinfluence.com/heatmap/

Youth from eight branches of the YMCA of Coastal Georgia are currently participating in a series of local interactive activities which allow them to engage with the campaign in ways that are most relevant and resonant to them.

Savannah is one of 23 communities where local Above the Influence advertising, partnerships, and ATI youth activities are taking place. As part of this effort, teens from this area will have the opportunity to design new ATI advertising, and participate in other youth activities – allowing them to identify influences in their community, and ways to resist the pressure to use drugs and alcohol.  

The National Youth Anti-Drug Media Campaign launched the Above the Influence campaign to capture the attention of youth by challenging them to think critically about the adverse effects of drug use and the potential negative influences surrounding them in their social and media environments.  ATI positions substance use as “an influence that makes you less than you.”  The message urges youth to be true to them by rejecting negative influences in their lives.

Research has shown youth who are aware of Above the Influence advertising are consistently more likely to have stronger anti-drug beliefs compared to those unaware of the Campaign’s advertising.  Additionally, research makes it clear that teens who hold strong anti-drug beliefs are less likely to use substances.  

The YMCA of Coastal Georgia has 10 area branches:  Habersham YMCA 912-354-6223; Effingham YMCA 912-826-2199; Islands YMCA 912-897-1192; Pryme Tyme YMCA 912-351-3622; Richmond Hill YMCA 912-756-5856; Southside YMCA 912-961-9622; Tybee Island YMCA 912-786-9622; West Chatham YMCA 912-748-9622; Liberty County/Armed Services Family YMCA 912-368-9622; McIntosh County YMCA 912-437-9622    www.ymcaofcoastalga.org

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