Program Urges High School Students to "ReThink Spring Break"

Faculty from Eastern Kentucky University’s College of Health Sciences have partnered with Madison Central High School, Madison County Health Department, Madison County Safety Coalition, and the Kentucky State Police to plan and conduct a week-long safety program at Madison Central High School this semester.

The program, ReThink Spring Break, is focused on many health and safety issues high school students face as they go on spring break. Partnerships with EKU’s College of Justice & Safety, the Office of Highway Safety, KY MADD, and the Madison County Area Substance Abuse Policy Board have been instrumental in preparation for the event.

The EKU Departments of Health Promotion and Administration and Baccalaureate and Graduate Nursing have worked closely with Mary Ann Haynes, the family resource and youth services director at Madison Central, to plan multiple programs during the week to focus on teen safety and to reach out to parents with information about related issues. Madison Central initiated the week of safety programs to enhance the well-being of its students.

Faculty and students in EKU’s Department of Health Promotion and Administration will conduct a safety fair on Monday, March 25, to kick off the week. They have planned informational booths to address such issues as road safety, tattoo safety, and electronic media safety. It is a day-long event in which the entire school will participate.

Faculty and students from the Department of Baccalaureate and Graduate Nursing will conduct an impaired driver prevention program, Ghost Out, on Tuesday, March 26. The focus of this program is to prevent drunk and drugged driving by teens and as well as riding with an impaired driver. The program is a collaborative effort with faculty and students from the College of Justice & Safety who are supporting the program through their participation and with funding for equipment. 

Kentucky State Police and the Office of Highway Safety will conduct a Vehicular and Drug Safety Day on Wednesday, March 27. Different exhibits will promote safe driving, seat belt use, and avoidance of drug use by teens.

Faculty and students of Madison Central will dramatize the dangers of issues such as underage drinking in short plays to be presented to the student population throughout the day on Friday, March 29.

ReThink Spring Break is the first program of its type to be conducted in Madison County high schools.

Contact Information

Elaine Waters
elaine.waters@eku.edu
859-622-1970

Published on March 08, 2013