Oakwood BOLD

BOLD logo

Promoting healthy choices and positive alternatives to reduce underage drinking and other drug use

National Drug and Alcohol Fact Week 2023

Working with area schools and organizations, members of Oakwood BOLD helped prepare activities to promote a healthy, drug-free lifestyle.

National Drug and Alcohol Fact Week was held March 20 - 24.

Start Talking

According to Start Talking, "conversations are one of the most powerful tools parents can use to connect with — and protect — their kids."

But how do you start talking about tough topics like drug use? Start Talking can help. Visit their website for great conversation starters for every age and parent tips to help with today's challenges.

Backs of heads of mother, daughter and father talking

What Works?

Dec. 2017 Bold members visit Smith at recess

According to the Ohio Youth-led Prevention Network, the best prevention programs should:

Provide education on the dangers of underage alcohol and other drug use
Be Youth-Led as much as possible
Avoid Scare Tactics
Be sustainable
Have positive community support

From the Counselor's Corner

Drinking games, such as beer pong, can lead to excessive drinking.

According to the CDC, excessive drinking is responsible for more than 4,300 deaths among underage youth each year.

In a recent national survey, 4% of 8th graders admitted to "binge drinking" in the past two weeks. Help keep our kids safe.

For information on "binge drinking," visit the CDC website.

Teen Vaping Crisis

According to the American Lung Association, one in four high school students say they have used e-cigarettes in the last 30 days.

Now, the Centers for Disease Control is confirming more than 450 reported cases in 33 states and one U.S. territory of severe lung problems that appear to be associated with vaping. The government agency is now issuing this warning:

"E-cigarette products should never be used by youths, young adults, pregnant women or by adults who do not currently use tobacco products. Adult smokers who are attempting to quit should use evidence -based smoking cessation treatments, including counseling and FDAapproved medications; those who need help quitting tobacco products, including e-cigarettes, should contact their medical provider. Persons who are concerned about harmful effects from e-cigarette products may call their local poison control center at: 1-800-222-1222. CDC will continue to advise and alert the public as more information becomes available."

From the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC):
September 6, 2019

Do you know a student who wants to stop smoking or vaping? Montgomery County health officials are recommending My Life, My Quit, a free youth tobacco and vaping cessation program, and Smokefree Teen, a tobacco/vape app for teens who want to quit.

Families are encouraged to discuss this recent health crisis and vaping/e-cigarette usage with their children. BOLD will continue to share information and resources with students, staff, parents and community members. To gain more information and resources, you can visit the Campaign for Tobacco-Free Kids website.

Looking for Help?

CareSolace is a care navigation and coordination system that makes it simple and easy for students to get the right help with drug and mental health issues in seconds.

You can visit their website at www.caresolace.com/ausdfamilies

First Ever District-Wide Be BOLD Day 2020

Our Great BOLD Members 2020

Our BOLD Staff 2020

Community Support 2019

OSD Chief Alan Hill signs the BOLD banner

OSD Captain Kevin Pruszynski signs the OHS BOLD banner

Oakwood Safety Department's Chief Alan Hill and Captain Kevin Pruszynski show their support for BOLD by signing the group's banner. Thank you for your support.

BOLD Activities 2019 - 2020

Each year, group members participate in a number of activities to spread the principle message of BOLD. These students work with their peers, staff members, parents and other community members to "promote healthy choices and positive alternatives to reduce underage drinking and other drug us." In addition to providing valuable information to groups, students also encourage parents and community members to pledge their support for the group by signing a banner.

a parent signs the BOLDbanner at the annual footbal game

Peer Activities:

Students promote message at annual NEON/BOLD themed home football game
Students interact at recess with elementary students several times during the school year, serving as positive role models
Students help design a “National Drug Facts Week” event each year, including an activity in the Take 5 and Homeroom classes as well as a pledge banner for students to sign
Students serve as role models and answer questions during a 5th grade DARE class
Students speak at the DARE graduations
Students partner with Oakwood members of the National Honor Society to sponsor a Parent’s Night Out event
Students conduct activities in both a 7th and 8th grade Take 5 class

BOLD members and/or staff representatives have attended a number of parent and community events: