The South Western Oklahoma Development Authority works to connect with the schools in this area to help provide resources for students and parents to learn warning signs and dangers of alcohol.

National Drug and Alcohol Facts Week, or NDAFW, is an annual week-long health observance that encourages dialogue about the science of drug use and addiction among youth.

“It provides an opportunity to bring together scientists, students, educators, healthcare providers and community partners to help advance the science, so that we can improve the prevention and awareness of substance misuse in our own communities and nationwide,” said Kendra Gift, SWODA coalition coordinator.

NDAFW was launched in 2010 by scientists at the National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA) to stimulate educational events in communities so teens can learn what science has taught us about drug use and addiction.

The National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism became a partner in 2016 and alcohol has been added as a topic area for the week.

NIDA and NIAAA are part of the National Institutes of Health.

“If you are involved with the schools in your area and would like some additional information about National Drug and Alcohol Facts Week, please reach out,” Gift said.

She can be reached at kendra@swoda.org.