Bethel is on the map when it comes to helping kids make good choices
The Community Prevention and Wellness Initiative (CPWI) is a grant-funded program that helps reduce the underage misuse and abuse of alcohol, marijuana, opioids, tobacco, and other drugs.
“For centuries, gardeners have used home-made mixtures of tobacco and water as a natural pesticide to kill insect pests.” — American Chemical Society
The CPWI program in Bethel is currently at work at Cedarcrest Middle School, its feeder schools, and the surrounding community.
This year the grant amount has increased, which means more can be accomplished in helping students learn about the dangers of underage drinking and drug use.
The “Guiding Good Choices” program, introduced last year for parents of 9–14 year olds, helps teach communications skills between parents and kids. Other programs, like Cedarcrest’s after-school prevention club, focus on preventing substance abuse and reducing risk factors, as well as creating a safe space for students to talk about these tough topics.
With CPWI’s increased funding this year, there are many new ideas on the table, including a parent workshop to talk about the dangers of vaping, Juul, and marijuana.
As for the future, one goal is to help bridge the transition from elementary to middle school, preparing younger students for difficult situations, like peer pressure, before they leave fifth grade.
