Chemical health

Promoting and supporting chemical health is an important component to achieving success both personally and academically. Studies have shown that substance use of any kind can be detrimental to the personal, academic and social development of a young person. Drug use at an early age is an important predictor of the development of a substance use disorder later. To combat this problem and to help our students avoid the negative outcomes of substance use, Anoka-Hennepin has three licensed chemical health prevention specialists to provide chemical health support to students, families and staff, ensuring that our students have the opportunity to be educated around the negative effects of substance use and to help students make better-informed decisions when it comes to their overall well being. 

Services include, but are not limited to:

• Crisis management.
• Screening.
• Assessment.
• Individual and group support.
• Professional development training for school staff.
• Consultation for parents/staff. 

Prevention works best when attention is given to multiple risk and protective factors and when support and education are available. The Anoka-Hennepin School District believes that by promoting and supporting chemical health prevention, we help ensure that our students have every opportunity to be successful both personally and academically.

For more information regarding chemical health prevention, or being a part of the chemical health advisory committee, please contact Josh VanHeuveln, at 763-506-1168 (joshua.vanheuveln@ahschools.us) or Abigail Rice at 763-506-1239 (abigail.rice@ahschools.us).

Chemical Health Prevention Specialists

Anti-vaping information and resources

Easily recognized as one of the most popular substance use trends among teens, vaping is the act of inhaling and exhaling an aerosol, often referred to as vapor, produced by an e-cigarette, vape pen, or similar device. These devices often contain flavored e-liquids, nicotine and/or marijuana. There continues to be challenges around the banning of all flavored e-liquids, with big tobacco finding loopholes wherever they can in order to continue selling to our teens. We also know that teens who use e-cigarettes are more likely to start smoking traditional cigarettes than their peers who do not vape. In addition, e-cigarette use among young people, many of whom were not smokers in the first place, has skyrocketed in recent years.

It is important to know that vaping is not safe. Thousands of illnesses and even several dozen deaths have been linked to vaping over the past few years. Anoka-Hennepin believes teens and parents alike should be educated about vaping and the potential for harm.

Vaping 101:

• Truth Initiative: America's largest nonprofit public health organization committed to making tobacco use and nicotine addiction a thing of the past.
• Partnership to End Addiction: Partnership to End Addiction is a result of the cohesive joining of two pioneering and preeminent addiction-focused organizations — Center on Addiction and Partnership for Drug-Free Kids.

Need help quitting?

• My Life My Quit.
• Become a Smoke-Free Teen.
• Become an Ex.

VapeEducate is an online, educational course that teaches teens about the negative effects of vaping and was originally designed to be completed by middle and high school students. Anyone can benefit from learning more about e-cigarettes, vaping and Juuling. It can also be used as an educational program for teachers, parents, and other community members. The program is designed to be used as a tool that provides supplemental material to educate students about vaping.

How is Anoka-Hennepin using VapeEducate?

Anoka-Hennepin has purchased a set amount of licenses to be used in conjunction with those students who receive a chemical health violation due to vaping.  Used as an educational tool, students will have the opportunity to learn about the negative effects of vaping and to learn how it can negatively affect their lives in school, home and the workplace.

How can I access VapeEducate?

As of now, Anoka-Hennepin is using this program for those students who receive a vaping violation, either in the community or in the school setting. Students are referred by a school administrator or support staff. Each secondary school has an identified “group leader” who will enroll the student in the program. There may be a situation where a student is referred and asked to complete the program before returning to school after a suspension or a student may be asked to complete the program in order to minimize the number of days suspended.

Additional Information

Please refer to the following resources for more information on VapeEducate, vapeeducate.com; Parent letter, (versión en español).

View this guide from Partnership for Drug Free Kids to get more information before having your conversation.

View this resource, A Parent's Guide to Vaping. 

View the Minnesota Youth Tobacco Survey results. 

Chemical Health Advisory Committee

The Anoka-Hennepin Chemical Health Advisory Committee (CHAC) formed in June 2017. 

The mission of the CHAC is:
To promote a safe and welcoming environment and well-being of our students’ chemical health through education, prevention and awareness.

The vision of the CHAC is:
To have students embrace a healthy lifestyle free from the misuse and abuse of alcohol, tobacco, and other drugs.

Goals:

• CHAC will regularly review and analyze current alcohol and other drug use and trends both
  locally, statewide, and nationally.
• CHAC will provide a venue for creating campus collaborations on alcohol and drug
  education programming and prevention efforts.
• CHAC will make recommendations for the Student Services Department and School Board
  concerning alcohol and other drug issues (consistent with School Board Policy 533 - Student
  Wellness).

Chemical Health Resources

Chemical Health Resources for Anoka-Hennepin students and families

A quick resource of basic terminology resources specific to vaping and other illegal substances, as well as community resources. A great place to start when needing additional information filled with links to websites, support, and education. 

Partnership for Drug-Free Kids

By bringing together renowned scientists, parent experts, and communications professionals, the Partnership for Drug-Free Kids translates the science of teen drug use and addiction for families. You can find a wealth of information, tools and opportunities to help prevent substance use/misuse among our young adults.

Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMSHA)

The Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMSHA) is the agency with the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services that leads public health efforts to advance the behavioral health of the nation. It is the mission of the SAMSHA to reduce the impact of substance abuse and mental illness on America's communities.