Vision Statement
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Some Important Facts "Today, over one hundred Americans will pass away from an opioid overdose. One third of those deaths will be directly related to medication prescribed by a doctor or dentist." The CDC reports that last year twelve million Americans misused opioids. Nearly five hundred thousand of those Americans were youth age twelve to eighteen. “One in four young people has a parent or loved one that suffers with the disease of addiction. That situation often creates confusion, chaos, and sometimes crisis. Family members with an addicted parent are at risk for substance abuse and addiction.” "Overdose deaths among adolescents is increasing. In 2015, 4,235 youth ages 15-24 died from a drug-related overdose; over half of those were attributable to opioids. (One-third of all opioid deaths are from medication prescribed by a doctor of a dentist). The health consequences of opioid misuse affect a much larger number of people. For example the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) estimates that for every young adult overdose death, there are one hundred and nineteen emergency room visits and twenty-two treatment admissions. Our Vision sees all young people as equal participants and contributors to our communities, nation, and world. There are circumstances that arise during one’s formative years that may limit one’s capacity for full participation in their lives, now and possibly throughout their lifetime! The Lotus Educational Group understands that through information, in-depth discussion, engaging activities, leadership, and 'agreement strategies,' a life trajectory of substance abuse-addiction and the risk of opioid misuse is significantly reduced. Out intention is to empower the 'personal agency' of participants so that they will make informed choices regarding the use of prescription opioid medication and all mind-altering substances. "For every dollar spent on education in the opioid crisis, seven dollars in medical costs are saved." (CDC) |
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Prevention through Knowledge
Prevention through knowledge occurs when youths have an opportunity to come to understand the risks of opioid medication and the process of the disease of addiction through literature, discussion, and activities. |
Prevention through Leadership.
Prevention through leadership occurs when at-risk youth have opportunities to collaborate, plan, and manifest their collective vision as prevention messengers in their classrooms, their schools, and their communities. |
Prevention through Service
Prevention through service occurs when youth participate in volunteer activities in their communities. The discovery of the satisfaction of providing impactful service in one's community can be life-changing. |
Prevention through Support
Prevention through support occurs when at-youth risk participate in professional support services. Meeting regularly with a counselor or therapist, participating in a youth treatment program, or attending a youth conference are a few examples. |
Prevention through Outreach
Prevention through outreach occurs when youth choose and are then financially able to participate in outreach activities that are of interest to them. |
Prevention through Art, Poetry & Theater
Prevention through art, poetry and theater occurs in workshops during classes (or after school) as students engage in the book study, discussions, leadership, and prevention activities. |