President's Message - January 2024

As we welcome the new year, I want to begin by honoring the memory of a beloved member of our community, Virginia Smith Mead, known affectionately as Ginger or Gigi. Ginger, a vibrant soul and a passionate advocate for community service passed away peacefully on December 2, 2023. Her lifelong commitment to bettering the lives of those around her, including her significant support for Informed Families, has left an indelible mark on our organization and those we serve. Our deepest condolences go to the Mead family, as we celebrate Ginger’s remarkable life and legacy.

Topics: President's Message, alcohol, Informed Families, leaders, alcohol use, alcohol abuse

Creating holiday crafts with kids is more than just a fun activity; it's an opportunity for family bonding, which is crucial for the healthy development of children and teens. At Informed Families, we understand the significance of family togetherness in reducing the risk of substance abuse among young people. Parental involvement is indeed the most potent weapon in preventing substance abuse among youth.

Topics: holidays, lock your meds, family bonding, safe homes smart parties, alcohol use

The holiday season is a special time for family, warmth, and creating lasting memories. One of the most cherished traditions in many households is cooking together. It's more than just preparing food; it's an opportunity for bonding, sharing stories, and reinforcing family ties.

Topics: holidays, family bonding, safe homes smart parties, alcohol use, family dinner

The holiday season is a time of joy, celebration, and connection. However, amidst the festive spirit, it's crucial to ensure our homes remain safe and welcoming for everyone. Drawing inspiration from Informed Families' "Safe Homes Smart Parties" campaign, this blog aims to provide you with practical tips to make your home a safer place during the holiday celebrations.

Topics: holidays, lock your meds, safe homes smart parties, alcohol use

President's Message - July 2023

In today's interconnected world, it is evident that everything goes somewhere and is connected to everything else. 

Topics: President's Message, marijuana, alcohol, Informed Families, alcohol use, alcohol abuse

President's Message - May 2023

We’ve all heard of the Alcoholics Anonymous (AA) 12-Step program, but often think it’s for other people, specifically alcoholics.

But I think if more of us took the values it contains to heart, we’d all be better off, both individually and as a society.

Topics: President's Message, marijuana, alcohol, Informed Families, alcohol use, alcohol abuse

President's Message - March 2023

When trying to teach our kids to avoid drugs and alcohol, doesn’t it
sometimes feel like we’re fighting a losing battle?

Topics: President's Message, marijuana, alcohol, Informed Families, alcohol use, alcohol abuse

President's Message - February 2023

How Do You Show Love to Your Brain and Heart? By Staying Drug-Free!

Topics: President's Message, alcohol, Informed Families, alcohol use, alcohol abuse

President's Message - January 2023

Let me start by wishing all of you a happy and healthy new year! And to thank you all for the work you’ve done over the last year to help keep our children safe from drugs of all kinds. We’ve accomplished some good things together, and I want to urge you to keep up the fight.

Topics: President's Message, alcohol, Informed Families, alcohol use, alcohol abuse

Help Us Lead the Red Ribbon Week Herd   

Red Ribbon Week helps to create Herd Immunity. Red Ribbon is about creating herd or community immunity to the alcohol and drug problems America is facing.

Herd or Community Immunity is where a large part of the population are immune to a specific disease.

While currently the public is hearing about and focusing on Covid-19, Herd immunity applies equally to alcohol and drug use.

In all populations across the world about 10 % of people have a predisposition to alcohol and drug addiction. PREDISPOSITION DOES NOT MEAN PREDETERMINED!!! There are PROTECTIVE FACTORS that mediate the disease - the biggest are the communities’ beliefs, their messaging and role modeling about alcohol and drugs use and misuse.

 

Topics: President's Message, red ribbon, red ribbon week, drug use, alcohol use, Covid-19