- Organization Name:
- Partners in Prevention- Rock County
- Describe your creative piece – what is it and what has it been used for, and why is it innovative?
- My creative piece is a print image that was created to addres how alcohol affects teenage brain development. The theme "Alcohol acts like a computer virus in a teen's brain" was used with a computer screen graphic that lists affects using tech words. It has been used in a postcard mailed to all parents in Rock County, WI, of students in grades 6-12, on brochures distributed to middle-school conferences and at events and conferences and on posters and display boards used across the county. It is innovative because it takes new scienfitic information and connects it to a popular idea that can be understood by parents and children alike.
- What issue or problem were you working to address with this piece?
- The new scientific information that is addressed in this is how alcohol affects the developing teen brain. Survey's and environmental scans revealed that parents and other adults in the area were not aware of this information because it hasn't been publicized. The information says that the brain doesn't fully develop until age 25 and using alcohol can affect teen learning and success by decreasing memory function. We were trying to raise awareness about this issue to use as yet another reason by underage drinking is harmful.
- How has your submission successfully impacted your organization’s ability to solve this issue/problem?
- Our large mailing to parents, displays at schools and libraries and information sent to newsletters and other press has greatly increased awareness of this issue among Rock County residents. Achievement in school is an important issue among parents and children, so linking decreased brain functioning and alcohol use to school success made this campaign an important subject for parents. After the initial mailing, we held an informational session and invited a speaker on brain development. Many members of the community and parents attended, showing support and concer for this topic.
- Creative Submission - Files
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