Idea of the Quarter

 Each quarter we pick an idea that we think is the most creative use of a promotional product to advance a public safety campaign. And this quarter's best idea is:

The end of the 2007-08 school year is fast approaching and with its close are the end-of-year award programs. Giving special recognition to a student who best articulates summer safety in a short essay is a great way to get kids thinking about summer safety, while honing their writing skills. It also gives you the opportunity, as Firefighters and Policemen, to have a presence at the year-end recognition program. Time with the kids is always good public relations and is also great for building trust. And what would be a great prize for the best essay? How about a "Safety First" mesh backpack?                                                          

 To submit your idea, please send your suggestion to This email address is being protected from spam bots, you need Javascript enabled to view it with subject "PS Suggestion". If selected, you will receive a LogoSurfing certificate worth $50. 

Upcoming Calendar Dates

March 16 thru 22 is National Inhalants and Poisons Awareness Week
April is Alcohol Awareness Month

Industry Marketing News

Prescription Drug Abuse and Our Teenagers by BF Porter

When we talk about drug awareness and addiction prevention, the drug dealer on the street corner is a parent's worst nightmare - right? Maybe not.

Recent trends are showing that while illegal drug use is declining among our youth, it's being replaced by a growing, new drug abuse trend.  And it is one that is even more accessible to our kids - our home medicine cabinets and corner drug stores.   Medicines that are used to treat pain, attention deficit disorder and even colds are being misused to get high.  From Vicodin and Ritalin to over the counter cold medicines, kids are "pharming" or "robotripping".

According to statistics from the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration's 2006 National Survey on Drug Use and Health, our teenagers are abusing pain relievers for the first time at a rate of 2,500 each day.  And among 12-13 year-olds, prescription drugs are the drug of choice.  Even more alarming, 13.4% of children between 13 and 17 have misused prescription drugs at least once according to a 2003 SAMHSA survey.  

What are the consequences?

The consequences of prescription drug abuse can range from addiction and withdrawal symptoms to tolerance (making intended use of drugs ineffectual), cardiac and respiratory stress, even death.  

What can be done?

Schools and public safety departments currently have programs that address street drugs. We would serve our communities well if we were to expand in-school drug awareness programs for our kids, as well as, educate and raise awareness for parents.  We should make kids aware that just because drugs come from their family medicine cabinet or can be bought at the store, it does not mean they are safe when misused.  Likewise, parents need to be educated on controlling access to in-home prescription drugs, as well as, recognizing the signs.  Web sites, such as www.theantidrug.com can help parents become educated with articles such as 5 tips for Preventing Rx Abuse.

Campaign Ideas to Educate and Inform

1.  For students:  "Drugs are not for sharing"  Short program for pre-teens and teens that explains that just because it came from your home, or your friends home, does not mean it's safer than street drugs.  Put the tag line on school supplies, like pencils or notebooks, so they leave the program with a constant reminder.

2.  For parents:  "Prescriptions are drugs too" or "Safeguard your family medicine".  Awareness program for parents that informs them of the signs and how they can monitor their prescriptions to ensure that their prescription drugs don't fall into the hands of kids.  Put the tag line on magnets or sticky pads to keep reminding parents that they need to be diligent in controlling access to their family medicines.