MPRC Hot Topics

ATOD Blog
ATODBlog.com is a discussion about how the science of alcohol, tobacco and other drugs can change the world we live in.

Parents Know--Minnesota
Trusted parenting information, resources, and activities to help your children grow, develop, and learn from birth through high school.
http://parentsknow.state.mn.us/

January 2009 Drug Abuse Trends Minneapolis/St. Paul report
2009 Drug Abuse Trends in the Twin Cities

A SAMHSA Guide to Getting Through Tough Economic Times
www.samhsa.gov/economy

Free downloads and publications from NIAA (National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism).
www.niaaa.nih.gov/Publications/PamphletsBrochuresPosters/English/

Through the use of video, interactive segments, scenario-based role-playing experiences, and practical advice from experts, A Parent's Guide to the Teen Brain explores the science behind teenage brain development and how it shapes normal teenage attitude and behavior. Find tools and tips - all designed to help you connect with your teen. Gain insights into teen brain development and apply your new knowledge of normal teenage behavior to real life.
www.drugfree.org/teenbrain/

May is National Teen Pregnancy Prevention Month - Find Resources here
Have you started planning how your organization will promote May as National Teen Pregnancy Prevention Month (NTPPM)? Observed each May by states and communities throughout the country, NTPPM seeks to involve communities in promoting and supporting effective teen pregnancy prevention initiatives. Visit the MOAPPP website - National Teen Pregnancy Prevention Month page for resources and ideas.
www.moappp.org/outreach/teen_pregnancy_prevention_month.html

Partnership for Drug Free America
www.drugfree.org

The goal of ZAP is effectively respond to underage drinking to identify how youth are getting alcohol and to change the future behavior of both providers and underage drinkers. ZAP focuses on changing law enforcement resources and mindset when responding to underage drinking. ZAP also provides examples of how court systems have provided effective sanctions and interventions. The ZAP project is funded by the Enforcing Underage Drinking Laws program of the MN Dept. of Public Safety. The Minnesota Institute of Public Health, also home to MPRC, administers ZAP. For more information about ZAP, contact Sheila Nesbitt at snesbitt@miph.org or 763-427-5310 x128.

A social host ordinance holds adults responsible for underage drinking on their property even if they did not directly provide the alcohol. Under Minnesota law it is illegal to provide alcohol to underage persons (with an exception for parents providing to their own children at home under direct supervision). Social host ordinances provide a tool for local law enforcement to address homeowners who allow youth to drink. The first social host ordinance in Minnesota was enacted in Chaska. Since then many cities and communities have enacted a similar ordinance.

The 21 minimum legal drinking age (MLDA) is one of the most well-documented and effective prevention policies. Recently the MLDA has received attention because of the Amethyst Initiative, a group of 100+ college presidents who express an interest in discussion of the MLDA. For more information visit: