School Communities

Faculty, Staff, Students and Administrators

As much as, if not more than, any sector of community stakeholders, school professionals and the learning communities they manage, are at the front lines of substance abuse prevention. Students’ capacities to learn and thrive in their school community are quickly and significantly eroded by alcohol and drug abuse. Because students spend large quantities of time in their classrooms and are often involved in school activities, educators can be the first to observe the behavior and attitude changes that might signify drug and alcohol abuse and other health challenges. In this capacity, educators often provide a first line of response for concerns about a student’s potential substance abuse.

No less important, the school community plays a vital role in educating students about the risks of drug and alcohol abuse. Health curriculum, leadership development programs and self-esteem and life skill building programs are important assets that school communities provide.