We’re Not Buying It 2.0 Grades 6-8

We’re Not Buying It 2.0 (WNBI 2.0) is a substance abuse prevention program that focuses on developing media literacy skills among sixth through eighth grade students .Developed by the National Council on Alcohol and Drug Dependency of Middlesex County, Inc., WNBI 2.0 uses prevention education strategies to reduce early first use of alcohol, marijuana, and prescription and over-the-counter medications, as well as bullying behavior.  A primary focus is on raising awareness of messages about substance abuse and bullying that are included in popular, non-advertisement media. The original version of the program was developed in 2000 as We’re Not Buying It: The Alcohol and Tobacco Connection.  It consisted of four lessons exploring alcohol and tobacco print advertising. In 2010, an extensive revision of the program began.  Recognizing that media consumption by youth had shifted dramatically over the last decade (Rideout, Foehr & Roberts, 2010; Madden, Lenhart, Duggan, Cortesi & Gasser, 2013; Zickuhr, 2010; Common Sense Media, 2012), print advertising was eliminated from the curriculum.  It was replaced by popular music, television, movies and social media such as YouTube and Facebook.  As part of this revision, tobacco was dropped from the program, and marijuana, prescription and over-the-counter medications, as well as bullying (including cyber-bullying) were added to the curriculum. Capitalizing on the new media focus, the program was rechristened “We’re Not Buying It 2.0” and debuted in classrooms in 2012. The program now includes six units that are delivered over a six-week time period by a certified prevention educator.  The sessions include a mix of lecture, discussion and activities designed to last 40-45 minutes each.

Footprints for Life Grades 2-3

Footprints for Life™ is a research-based primary prevention program that builds assets and teaches important life skills to students in grades two and three. Through the use of puppets and stories that feature “real life” situations experienced by a children’s soccer team, the program offers many opportunities for students to practice the new skills they have learned in a fun and non-threatening way.
The goal of Footprints for Life is to help young children build a strong foundation of life skills rooted in key social competencies. The social competencies that Footprints addresses are planning and decision-making practice, interpersonal skills, cultural competence, peer pressure, and peaceful conflict resolution — assets identified as promoting positive attitudes and behaviors.
Footprints for Life is a six-week program taught during a regular classroom period for approximately 40 minutes each week. Weekly homework assignments and educational sheets not only reinforce the lessons between classes, but also involve parents in their child’s learning experience.
Footprints for Life reaches children while their health-related attitudes, beliefs, and behaviors are at a formative stage; it provides a resource for teachers to help identify potential problems; and it opens the door for parents to have important discussions with their children at home.

WISE Senior Program

The educational program offers six lessons that cover a wide range of topics for Seniors

• Learn about the aging process and how to make healthy lifestyle choices
• Celebrate this exciting stage of life and all the benefits that come with it
• Discuss risk factors and behaviors you should avoid to stay healthy
• Examine how alcohol, prescription medications and over-the-counter medications affect seniors differently and how you can avoid problems
• Learn how to use simple tools to help you feel more empowered about your health and the healthcare you receive

Chronic Pain Senior Program

The educational program offers six lessons that cover a wide range of topics for Seniors

• Learn about the aging process and how to make healthy lifestyle choices
• Celebrate this exciting stage of life and all the benefits that come with it
• Discuss risk factors and behaviors you should avoid to stay healthy
• Examine how alcohol, prescription medications, and over-the-counter medications affect seniors differently and how you can avoid problems
• Learn how to use simple tools to help you feel more empowered about your health and the healthcare you receive

Matter of Balance

The “Matter of Balance” program is an evidence-based initiative designed to help older adults reduce fear of falling and improve activity levels through education and practical strategies.
Objective: The program aims to help older adults view falls as controllable, set goals to increase activity levels, and make small changes to reduce fall risks at home. It encourages participants to engage in exercises that enhance strength and balance.
Structure: “Matter of Balance” consists of eight two-hour classes conducted over several weeks. Classes are typically held in small groups of 8-12 participants, led by trained coaches.
Education and Discussion: Participants learn about the importance of exercise in preventing falls, engage in group discussions, and participate in role-play activities to build confidence.
Practical Exercises: The program includes exercises designed to improve strength, coordination, and balance, which are crucial for fall prevention.
Home Safety Evaluation: Participants conduct a home safety evaluation to identify and mitigate potential fall hazards in their living environments.
The program is designed for older adults who are 60 years or older, community-dwelling, and may have concerns about falling or have previously experienced falls. It is particularly beneficial for those who restrict their activities due to fear of falling.