realitycheck

Reality Check, the new substance abuse counter advertising campaign developed for Washtenaw and Livingston Counties, will be launching in February. Middle school peer leaders will begin working this spring to develop media literacy and leadership skills, promote the Reality Check web site, and plan school-based awareness projects.

Reality Check was developed by youth for youth, shares Michele Baukema, Washtenaw County Health Educator and Reality Check Coordinator. These youth are learning how to be voices for change in their schools and communities and will play an integral role in the success of this substance abuse prevention intervention.

To kick off the community campaign, former research scientist for Philip Morris Victor DeNoble will speak on April 12, 7:00 PM at the Ypsilanti Public Library (Whittaker Rd). DeNoble will give a personal account of the research conducted within the tobacco industry, including the amount of money spent by the industry to study why smokers smoke and how to keep them smoking. He will also present proof that nicotine is a highly addictive drug, not a flavor factor in smoking. DeNoble is a well known tobacco industry whistleblower who has testified before Congress about the addictive and dangerous properties of nicotine and is a dynamic, sought after public speaker.

Reality Check is being provided through a grant from the Michigan Department of Public Health Office of Drug Control Policy. During the three year grant period, We are working to reduce the favorable attitudes towards substance use among the young teens, decrease parental tolerance of youth ATOD use, and increase community interaction around perceived use and resources, says Baukema.

More information about the Reality Check program will be presented at the March 8 Community Health Committee meeting. Contact Vicki Nighswander at (734) 544-6863 or nighswanv@ewashtenaw.org with questions.