DEPARTMENT OF EDUCATION
P.O.
SUPTS. MEMO NO. 25
February 1, 2008
INFORMATIONAL
|
TO: |
Division
Superintendents |
|
FROM: |
Billy K.
Cannaday, Jr. Superintendent
of Public Instruction |
|
SUBJECT: |
Inhalant
Abuse Prevention Awareness Institute |
According
to the 2005 Virginia Community Youth Survey, use of inhalants by
Inhalant
use is the intentional concentration and breathing of chemical vapors or gas to
produce a high. There are more than 1,000 common products that can be inhaled,
including computer dusters, solvent-based markers, solvent-based correction
fluid, fingernail polish remover, aerosols, gasoline and butane. Inhalants are
deadly, with the potential to cause death any time they are used. Younger
adolescents are more likely to inhale these products, with the number of users
peaking in eighth or ninth grades. Usage can begin in elementary school.
Because inhalants contain toxic chemicals, damage to the brain is one of their
significant effects.
The Virginia Inhalant Prevention Coalition was
formed in 2007 to work on ways to address this problem among our young people.
As a part of its ongoing work, the coalition is sponsoring the Virginia
Inhalant Prevention Awareness Institute on March 12, 2008, at the Stonewall
Jackson Hotel in
The
purpose of the Institute is to help educate adults about this important risk to
the health and educational futures of our young people. Attendance is open to anyone with an interest
in learning about the prevention of inhalant abuse.
The
registration fee is $55 before February 15 and $65 after. The fee covers
refreshment breaks, the luncheon, and all materials. Registration is being
handled by
The
Virginia Department of Education (VDOE) recently developed an updated and
expanded version of its 2000 Inhalant Abuse Prevention Guide. The new guide is entitled Inhalant Abuse Prevention: Staff Education
and Student Curriculum. It may be downloaded from the VDOE website: www.doe.virginia.gov/VDOE/Instruction/Inhalantbook.pdf.
One
of the sessions at the Institute will provide detailed information about this
important new resource. Printed copies
of this new guide will also be made available to the Institute participants. For additional information about the guide,
contact Arlene Cundiff, coordinator of the safe and drug-free schools program
at 804-225-2871 or arlene.cundiff@doe.virginia.gov.
BKCJr/ADC/nc
Attachment:
a. Institute Announcement Flyer (.pdf)