West Palm Beach, Fla. (September 30, 2024) – The United States is in the midst of an opioid epidemic, with 40.3 million Americans, age 12 or older, diagnosed with substance use disorder. Despite only comprising of 4.25% of the world’s population, the United States consumes 99% of the hydrocodone and 60% of the oxycodone produced in the world. In October, to honor and support Substance Use Prevention Month, Hanley Foundation is highlighting why education is the best tool to combat the epidemic.
As the largest provider of grant-funded prevention education programs in the state of Florida, Hanley Foundation’s Prescription Drug Abuse Prevention program helps empower adolescents and gives them the tools they need to resist prescription drug misuse and abuse.
The program offers age-appropriate and research-based substance use disorder programs to thousands of students across South Florida. Hanley Foundation coordinators enter classrooms with the hope of teaching students not only about the dangers of drug and alcohol abuse, but equipping young minds with the resilience to make healthy and informed decisions. To date, the Hanley Foundation has delivered programming across 34 of Florida’s 67 counties.
The program allows students to engage in interactive activities and discussions to gain an understanding of the risks associated with opioid use, how to protect themselves from potential harm, and identifying the most misused medications. Students leave the program armed with powerful refusal techniques, and problem-solving and decision-making skills.
Substance Use Prevention Month serves as an opportunity to reduce drug and alcohol misuse and promote alternative coping skills. Hanley Foundation’s prevention programs are dedicated to driving awareness and providing educational resources to aid in the reduction of substance abuse. The Foundation’s comprehensive prevention efforts have made a positive difference in the lives of nearly 250,000 individuals since its launch in 1998.
