Primary+Prevention+Programs+In+British+Columbia

Primary Prevention Programs In British Columbia Jade Nikodemus-Smith Primary Prevention is almost exactly as it sounds, it is to prevent someone from developing a negative habit. Primary is because the problem or habit has not happened yet and it is to prevent that problem or habit from ever happening. Primary Prevention programs are put in place all over Canada in elementary schools, middle schools and high schools to educate our youth about the dangers they could face in day to day life. While there are many primary prevention programs put in place for British Columbian students, I chose to focus on 2 programs that I feel cover the widest age range, are specific to primary prevention and are areas a social service worker could work in. Developed by the Centre for Addictions Research of British Columbia, iMinds is a program to help students in Grades 4-10 that allows students to become aware of drugs, drugs effects on themselves and their lifestyle, and ways to live a healthy lifestyle. IMinds encourages some basic guidelines such as, stay neutral, and insist on a non-hostile environment, to be followed to promote the students learning and encourage them to be honest and open about the questions they may have.

Making Decisions is another British Columbian Primary Prevention Program that was founded by the Alcohol and Drug Education Services (ADES). This program focuses on students in Grades 4-9 and teaches students to make informed decisions regarding drug and alcohol use. This program highlights knowledge, confidence, practical skills, and how to deal with pressures that may lead to substance abuse. This program encourages connections with family, friends and school to prevent/delay substance abuse. A Social Service Worker could help to emphasize the importance of learning about these skills to prevent substance abuse. Workshops, informal meetings, assemblies and other forms of communicating can really help promote this program and increase rate of success in prevention among students. The roles that Social Service Workers play in primary prevention programs can be large or small depending on the rate of need there is in the community. When there is high demand for primary prevention Social Service Workers can facilitate the program, promote programs to schools, and constantly help keep the programs current and relevant. Social Service workers can create new programs and emphasize what has been missed or has been changed since the last program, while keeping it relevant and educational. Social Service workers can create new ways to help the next generation avoid drugs and promote a healthy lifestyle, in a fun and interesting way. While these programs are usually taught in schools by teachers some times these programs could be brought into schools and run by Social Service workers, this also helps to make sure the programs are effective and are being run properly.