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The National Children's Mental Health Awareness Week is the first full week in May. Designed to raise awareness that serious mental health and emotional disorders in children exist and are treatable, it is promoted by the National Federation of Families for Children's Mental Health. In the United States, 15 million children have mental health problems, and half of these never get help. Mental health awareness can help erase the stigma associated with mental and emotional disorders. Even preschoolers can be involved.
Disability awareness training is becoming more important in the workplace. As businesses expand and grow, more and more companies are discovering that people with disabilities are an important addition to the workforce. In order to maximize productivity and inclusion, you must create and require training for disability awareness. Hiring people with disabilities makes sense for both your company and employees, and training your workforce on awareness is a first step toward inclusion.
Drugs come in all shapes, sizes, colors and forms and are easier to obtain than you might think. Even everyday items in your home are subject to abuse. Stay informed about available drugs and recognize signs of use to prevent or identify abuse.
The National Institute of Health (NIH) trains employees on security and privacy awareness through an online system. That online training is available for public review. The training consists of eight modules.
Hazwoper training is required if you work in environments that expose you to hazardous substances and your employer expects you to recognize and manage environmental hazards. There are various levels of Hazwoper certification, ranging from 24 to 40 hours. You should receive the appropriate level of training based upon the responsibilities your job requires you to perform.
Every 45 minutes, someone dies in an alcohol-related car accident in the United States. While moderate alcohol use--two drinks per day for men and one drink per day for women--rarely causes problems, 32 percent of total vehicle crashes are caused by alcohol. Training people who work in the industry is an important step in reducing the number of impaired drivers, accidents and lives lost.
Illegal and prescription drug abuse impacts all members of society. In the workplace, it is a direct threat to co-workers and others the person comes into contact with during the workday. In schools, drug use poses a danger to all students. Drug abuse is destructive to the individual, as well as family members. A number of profit and not-for-profit organizations offer drug awareness training to individuals and businesses.
Alcohol, drugs and tobacco abuse are ongoing problems addressed during Drug Abuse Week. Even though it is difficult for adolescents to say no to a peer or sibling, pictures, content and slogans on a bulletin board can teach them the dangers of drugs and how to avoid them. For your board theme, choose one or more of the suggestions outlined below.
"Just say no" goes only so far. Kids obviously need concrete reasons for resisting drugs and alcohol. Young people abuse pot, coke or narcotic pain medication to fit in or manage stress and depression. Helping them to see the potential damages of drug abuse means tapping into a teen's trust, giving her answers and telling the truth. Engage young adults in a dialogue about substances during Drug Awareness Week.
Teaching teenagers drug awareness is a popular method to deter youth from abusing such substances. Whether it is alcohol, illegal drugs, prescription or even over-the-counter drugs, all of these items can prove damaging and even fatal to teens who abuse them. According to TeenDrugAbuse.us, teenagers whose parents inform them of the potential dangers surrounding drug use are 42 percent less likely to use drugs.
