Young people need more than facts and figures about alcohol, tobacco, other drug use and sexual involvement. They need more than assemblies and lectures, more than essay and poster contests, more than being told to “just say no” to drugs. These efforts have a place in an inclusive program, but alone are simply not enough. To be successful, a comprehensive drug prevention program must encompass instruction and skill-building activities, parent involvement and community support. This comprehensive approach to reducing drug abuse is summed up by SMART Moves.

SMART Moves program equips our children with basic life skills, problem-solving and decision-making abilities and communication skills, all designed to boost their self-confidence, self-esteem and sense of security. The program is now used successfully in communities across the nation. The program is based on a resistance training/social skills model. Using small group activities, it teaches young people to recognize and resist media influences and peer pressures to engage in alcohol, tobacco, other drug use and early sexual involvement.

 Click here to learn more about the FY2016 SMART Move grant implemented across the state.