More information can be found at Buzzed Driving is Drunk Driving
Preventing Underage Tobacco Use
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| From Top News |
First, a group with expertise from across the county have are put together a draft strategy. For the next month, it will be introduced to different sectors who will be key in implementation. Following our next Coalition meeting, the strategy will be finalized after considering all of the community input.
Second, Nicotine Free Mountain Empire (NFME) and the Coalition are discussing how to combine forces so the vision and strategies of each complement and support each others efforts. NFME has been educating Kingsport and Sullivan County 5th and 6th graders for years. The Coalition will support and expand their effort, while staying focused on enforcement of current laws.
Last, but certainly not least, Dr. Hadii Mamudu, of ETSU College of Public Health and internationally recognized expert in tobacco policy, has agreed to work with the coalition to ensure that we are focused on efforts that are evidenced based.
Legislation from Tennessee 2011-12 Session
Tennessee Prescription Safety Act — This bill requires pharmacists and doctors to register with the Controlled Substance Monitoring Database so that they can check a patients history before prescribing pain medications. The plan is designed to improve public safety statewide and curb the prevalent practice of “doctor shopping.”
Pharmacies must begin using the database by January 2013 and doctors by April 2013. Before becoming law, registration to the database was voluntary with roughly one third of doctors participating.
Anti-Meth Bill — This bill combats the growing problem of methamphetamine manufacturing. Below are key provisions of the law, many of which take effect July 1:
Drug Courts — Governor Haslam has transferred the Drug Court programs from the Department of Finance and Administration (F & A) to the Tennessee Department of Mental Health and Substance Abuse Services (TDMHSAS) effective July 1, 2012. The transfer of drug courts to TDMHSAS is meant to lessen duplication of effort and align with the department’s role as the substance abuse authority in the state.
Drug courts were established as an alternative to jails and prisons and are designed to foster recovery. For many arrested on drug-related offenses, prison is not the answer, and research has shown treatment costs are lower than costs associated with incarceration. Drug courts refer clients to substance abuse community agencies that provide intervention and treatment services, which are funded, contracted and licensed by
TDMHSAS.
Penalties for DUI — The law increases penalty for violation of DUI statute when child under 18 is in the vehicle to require that the mandatory minimum 30-day sentence for this offense be served consecutive to any sentence received for a violation of specified other alcohol-related offenses.
Pharmacies must begin using the database by January 2013 and doctors by April 2013. Before becoming law, registration to the database was voluntary with roughly one third of doctors participating.
Anti-Meth Bill — This bill combats the growing problem of methamphetamine manufacturing. Below are key provisions of the law, many of which take effect July 1:
- makes such sales information readily available to law enforcement;
- makes it easier to prosecute those who make multiple purchases of pseudo-ephedrine products at different times and places for the purpose of exceeding the acceptable amount, or through use of false identification;
- enforces minimum mandatory fines on offenders
Bath Salts Bill
— The law increases penalties for persons who manufacture, deliver, sell, or possess with the intent to sell, deliver, or manufacture an imitation controlled substance commonly known as bath salts. The law closes a loophole that had allowed makers of the drug to make minor changes to their recipes in order to skirt the law.
Drug Courts — Governor Haslam has transferred the Drug Court programs from the Department of Finance and Administration (F & A) to the Tennessee Department of Mental Health and Substance Abuse Services (TDMHSAS) effective July 1, 2012. The transfer of drug courts to TDMHSAS is meant to lessen duplication of effort and align with the department’s role as the substance abuse authority in the state.
Drug courts were established as an alternative to jails and prisons and are designed to foster recovery. For many arrested on drug-related offenses, prison is not the answer, and research has shown treatment costs are lower than costs associated with incarceration. Drug courts refer clients to substance abuse community agencies that provide intervention and treatment services, which are funded, contracted and licensed by
TDMHSAS.
Penalties for DUI — The law increases penalty for violation of DUI statute when child under 18 is in the vehicle to require that the mandatory minimum 30-day sentence for this offense be served consecutive to any sentence received for a violation of specified other alcohol-related offenses.
(Some Information from the TAADAS Times Summer Newsletter, DUI information provided by Christopher Rogers)
National Prevention Week
Date
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National Prevention Week 2012 Themes
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Monday, May 21
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Prevention of Underage Drinking
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Tuesday, May 22
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Prevention of Prescription Drug Abuse and Illicit Drug Use
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Wednesday, May 23
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Prevention of Alcohol Abuse
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Thursday, May 24
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Suicide Prevention
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Friday, May 25
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Promotion of Mental, Emotional, and Behavioral Well-Being
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Kingsport Leadership Project Videos
Great videos from our Kingsport Leadership Community Service Project Team
Town Hall Meetings on Underage Drinking
Town Hall Meeting
Tennessee High School Auditorium
Thursday, April 19, 2012
7 - 8:30 PM
Refreshments Provided
Parents, Teens and all interested people - Let's Talk!
Rep. Tony Shipley on Synthetic Drug Legislation
Rep. Tony Shipley in Judiciary Committee, referencing several related bills (with PSA played for Committee).
The Governor's budget proposal includes funds for this legislation. Two weeks after the legislation is signed, it will become a felony to sell synthetic drugs in Tennessee.
The Governor's budget proposal includes funds for this legislation. Two weeks after the legislation is signed, it will become a felony to sell synthetic drugs in Tennessee.
Risk Factors for Substance Abuse
Anecdotal data we have been receiving from our Underage Tobacco Use Survey is indicating that youth with poor grades are more at risk for tobacco use. This 2009 data from SAMHSA supports those perceptions. This chart refers to substance abuse treatment admissions.
If you would like to participate in our Underage Tobacco Use Survey, please click here. Your information will help us develop our strategy to reduce tobacco use by our youth.
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