WBT Flipbooks

10 TFAH • WBT • PaininTheNation.org The Life-Skills Training (LST) program is a classroom-based substance misuse prevention program for middle school students, which includes a booster program for high school students. In addition to drug awareness and resistance skills, the program teaches students social and self-management skills. The program has been extensively tested and found to reduce alcohol and drug use by as much as 87 percent. 53 A cost-benefit analysis of LST found the program yielded a benefit of $17.35 for ever y dollar invested. 54 Evidence-based programs to prevent suicide include the SOS Signs of Suicide program, a two-part school- based program designed for middle and high school students. It includes instruction and activities to increase awareness of suicide and depression and a brief depression screening. The SOS Program has reduced self- reported suicide attempts by 40 percent to 64 percent in randomized control studies. 55, 56 Other school-based strategies that can help reduce risk factors while building students' protective factors against substance misuse or suicide include: l Social and emotional learning: Designed to help children understand and manage their emotions, social- emotional learning programs help to create positive school climates and conditions for learning. Students who are socially and emotionally healthy are less likely to engage in substance misuse and have higher academic outcomes. 57 Social-emotional learning programs been found to yield as much as $20.80 in benefits for every dollar invested. 58 l Anti-bullying programs: In 2015, more than 20 percent of high school students reported being bullied on school grounds. 59 Both youth who bully and those who are bullied report higher levels of suicidal ideation and suicides. 60 Because many school-based anti- bullying programs have yielded mixed results, schools should make sure their program is evidence-based and does not include components that have been proven ineffective against bullying, such as zero-tolerance policies. 61 87% $17.35 Participants in LST programs reduction in Drug and Alcohol use ROI for every $1 invested in LST programs Schools can play a crucial role in promoting the health and safety of young people and help them establish lifelong healthy behaviors. School leaders, teachers and school-based health professionals can lead the effort to ensure students are appropriately screened, cared for, instructed and connected and, hopefully, prevent students from engaging in substance misuse that might eventually lead to despair and death. In partnership with parents, businesses, healthcare organizations, and state and federal government agencies, schools can continue to be the heart and hub of communities and help children become healthy, productive citizens.

• Cover