Every first Monday of October, the United States celebrates National Child Health Day to increase people’s awareness of how they can protect and develop children’s health and well-being.
Although not a public holiday, schools, government agencies, and organizations in healthcare, health professionals, and institutions observe this day.
Schools hold programs and activities promoting healthy eating, proper hygiene, regular exercise, and periodic medical checkups. Health organizations disseminate information on the importance of vaccination and regular health checkups to keep children safe and healthy.
However, as we researched this nationwide event, we noticed that drug awareness is not included in most activities.
Why Drug Awareness Should Be Taught in Schools on National Health Day and Beyond
Of course, drug awareness is not a topic that can be thoroughly discussed in an event like Child Health Day. Nevertheless, it is something that schools should consider teaching and may include in subjects like Health or Physical Education. Why?
Take a look at the following facts:
- The United States is home to 48 million schoolchildren aged 6-18.
- A large proportion of teenagers abuse substances such as alcohol or drugs because of peer pressure or bullying.
- Some children experiment with illegal drugs as early as 8th
- 20 million Americans suffer from drug and alcohol abuse.
- Throughout the nation, 10 million young people (ages 12 to 29) need substance abuse treatment.
- Drugs are now the US’s number one cause of accidental death.
National Child Health Day: The Importance of Teaching Drug Awareness
Image source: Ashwood Recovery
What Schools Can Do to Spread Drug Awareness on Child Health Day and Beyond
As mentioned above, drug awareness cannot be taught in a single day. However, schools can include some activities like:
- Ask a drug treatment center or any government health institution to conduct a fun activity to help children understand illegal drugs, their effects, etc.
- Visit the Red Ribbon website. Red Ribbon is the nation’s largest and oldest drug prevention campaign. It has many ideas and activities that would pique the interest and curiosity of children. There are contests you might be interested in. And if your organization is interested, you can join Red Ribbon Week from October 23-31.
- You can download different student activity books at Scholastic for younger children under your careScholastic. There are drug education activities, FAQs on Cocaine, and more!
- If your school is considering including drug awareness in your curriculum, you can visit Best Drug Rehabilitation and download their free lesson plans and other materials.
As educators, you are the children’s second parents. Whatever their current circumstances are, you can help shape the lives of the children under your care, Child Health Day or not.
Want to learn more about drug-related topics? Please visit the Ovus Medical blog. We have issues that can benefit you and your organization.
As our way of observing National Child Health Day, Ovus Medical is giving these special discounts:
- Awareness2019 (Good for $10.00 off any 100 Multi-Panel Drug Test Cups or more. exp 10/31)
- HealthDay2019 (Good for $30.00 off any 500 Multi-Panel Drug Test Cups or more. exp 10/31)
You can just visit our website, click the product you want, then enter the code when prompted.