Prevention Services
Prevention is the sum of our efforts to ensure healthy, safe and productive lives for our communities. As applied to alcohol, tobacco and other drugs (ATOD), prevention means keeping many problems related to the use and abuse of these substances from occurring. Successful ATOD prevention means that underage youth, pregnant women and others that are at high risk do not use alcohol, tobacco and other drugs. Prevention reduces the risk of danger and fosters a safe environment. Successful prevention leads to reduction in:
* Traffic fatalities/injuries and trauma * Violence * HIV/AIDS and other sexually transmitted diseases (STDs) * Rape * Teen Pregnancy * Child abuse * Cancer and heart disease * Other problems associated with substance abuse
ATOD problems cost years of quality of life and they cost money. Take a look at these statistics:
* 70% of crimes committed each year are alcohol related * 60% of all assaults committed involve alcohol * 60% of all armed robberies involve alcohol * 50% of all rapes involve a person under the influence * 61% of all vandalism involve people under the influence * Over 50% of all breaking and entering involves people under the influence * 45% of all theft are alcohol/drug related (Source: DAODAS, SLED)
Prevention efforts strengthen our communities, schools, families and individuals. Drug dealers are less likely to infiltrate strong communities. Schools with strong policies against smoking and drinking are healthier. Family members who serve as healthy role models inoculate their offspring. Shoreline BHS provides reliable information regarding the misuse and abuse of alcohol, tobacco and other drugs to the community. Our staff works within the county conducting various free activities including:
* Presentations to government, civic and faith community organizations * Classroom presentations providing ATOD information to students * Special interest seminars and in-service trainings to school faculty * Help End Alcohol Related Tragedies (H.E.A.R.T) offers free training on responsible serving of alcoholic beverages to the hospitality industry.
Everyone benefits from prevention. We make prevention happen in many ways and benefit from the results. Our children are not poisoned. We have fewer injuries. We do not experience overdoses. We avoid obesity and related illnesses.
Let's make prevention a priority!!!
Collaborating Agencies:
Horry County Community Coalition SC Constables