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Programs and Campaigns

 

 

PROGRAMS 

Classroom Programs 

  • CAST Classroom Lessons
  • CAST Lunch & Learn Sessions
  • Evidence-Based Programs: 

    CAST meets with the SAP provider and the school district to provide input on selecting evidence-based programs for the classroom, such as Second Step, Too Good for Drugs, Life Skills, and Signs of Suicide.

  • Inservice Programs - Vaping Inservice Program provided in partnership with the Montgomery County Alliance for Prevention.

  • Keep It Safe Prom Education Program: This is a campaign to educate high school juniors and seniors about the dangers of substance use.  Participating students receive a free ticket to their prom in partnership with the Montgomery County Alliance for Prevention. 

Parenting Programs 

  • Seminar Series - Monthly seminars held on various topics, free to the entire Upper Merion Area community.

  • Guiding Good Choices -  Provides parents with the tools they need to guide their middle school-aged children through their developmental years through a 5-week parent-education class. The program is funded by the Montgomery County Office of Drug & Alcohol multiple times per year and is facilitated by Sarah Messina from Child Guidance Resource Center.  

  • Staying Connected With Your Teen -  Improves communication and builds stronger bonds between parents and teens in a 5- week parent-education course.  
  • Strengthening Families Program - A seven-session, evidence-based program for parents and youth, ages 10-14.  Parents and youth meet in separate groups for the first hour and come together for the second hour to practice skills, play games, and do projects to increase family bonding, communication, and problem solving. Children learn skills to deal with stress and peer pressure. Parents learn skills to nurture, discipline, and guide their children.  The program is funded by the Montgomery County Office of Drug & Alcohol multiple times per year and is facilitated by Sarah Messina from Child Guidance Resource Center.  

School Assistance Programs

  • Student Assistance Program - CAST is a member of the Upper Merion Area Assistance Team at the High School.  UMAAT provides a system of referral, intervention, and after care for students who are experiencing barriers to academic and/or personal success, including those with interpersonal issues, drug and alcohol abuse, suicide, and mental health concerns.
  • Youth Aid Panel - CAST provides the InDepth Program to students who have received vaping violations. 

CAMPAIGNS AND ACTIVITIES 

  • The Great American Smokeout/Vapeout - An event to encourage smoking and vaping cessation.  CAST holds a Turkey Trot each November for the Great American Smokeout/Vapeout. Red Ribbon Week- A national drug prevention awareness campaign celebrated in October. 
  • Keep It Safe Campaign - This is a campaign designed to protect the teenage brain by promoting positive mental health and awareness about the effects of substance use on the teenage brain.  The campaign was created in partnership with the Montgomery County Alliance for Prevention.  Special activities and programs are provided through this campaign.  
  • Mental Health Awareness Month - Every year during the month of May,  CAST joins the national movement to raise awareness about mental health and reduce the associated stigma. 
  • Social Host Campaign - In partnership with the Montgomery County Alliance for Prevention, we distribute take-out bags to area restaurants.  The bags contain a message not to provide alcohol to individuals under the age of 21.  Recipients can scan the bag's QR code to learn more about underage drinking prevention.  
  • Keep It Safe Campaign - This is a campaign designed to protect the teenage brain by promoting positive mental health and awareness about the effects of substance use on the teenage brain.  The campaign was created in partnership with the Montgomery County Alliance for Prevention.  
  • National Drugs & Alcohol Facts Week - A campaign to ensure that youth have accurate information about drugs and alcohol.  CAST typically holds a bingo event for National Drugs & Alcohol Facts Week. 
  • National Prevention Week - Held during the second week of May, CAST joins the national public education platform showcasing our dedication to raising awareness about the importance of substance use prevention and positive mental health.  This past year, CAST participated in Montgomery County's inaugural Prevention Day event.  
  • Natural High Campaign - A campaign that encourages youth to develop passions that create a healthy, natural high as opposed to a high created from substance use.
  • Peyton Heart Project - CAST participates in the Peyton Heart Project to raise awareness about suicide and suicide prevention. 
  • Red Ribbon Week - Red Ribbon Week is the nation's largest and longest running drug prevention campaign.  Its mission is to present a unified and visible commitment towards the creation of a drug-free America.  It is an ideal way for people and communities to unite and take a visible stand against drugs. Red Ribbon Week is celebrated each year October 23-31.  
  • Take Down Tobacco Day - An event to raise awareness about the dangers of smoking and vaping
  • "Talk, They Hear You" - A campaign to encourage parents to talk to their kids about drugs and alcohol.  Parents are encouraged to download an app to help them hold these important conversations.  
  • Safe Driving Initiatives - Programs that raise awareness about safe driving, such as "Share the Keys," "Tie One On For Safety," "What Do You Consider Lethal?" and "Seat Belts Save Lives."