Alliance For Consumer Education

Today is Give to the Max Day!

2011-11-09T12:15:00.000-08:00

Give to the Max Day: Greater Washington is a 24 hour online giving event benefiting DC area nonprofits. ACE works hard to maintain its prevention education programs in the areas of inhalant abuse prevention, disease prevention, and poison prevention. It is through generous donations that ACE is able to maintain our programs, partnerships, and websites. Supporters of local nonprofits will have the chance to donate anytime during the 24 hours. Just use the donation widget on the right side of the page or use our fundraising page.

Thank you for your support!

Ace Clean at the USDA Harvest Festival!

2011-11-04T14:42:00.000-07:00

On Friday, October 28th, Ace Clean made another appearance at the USDA Farmer’s Market for its Harvest Festival! Celebrating the culmination of a very productive growing season for the People's Garden at USDA Headquarters, the Harvest Festival attracted children and parents around the area for all things harvested and healthy eating. Ace Clean was there for all the action. He danced to the music of Laissez Foure, a swingin’ jazz quartet, bowled a couple strikes at Squash Bowling, and explored the USDA Food Safety Discovery Zone Mobile. Ace Clean and Henry the Hand from the Henry the Hand Foundation made sure to meet, greet, and high-five each child in attendance. It was a great chance to get in the spirit of Halloween while reminding everyone to fight germs this flu season with proper handwashing and hygiene.

ACE Names New Honorary Chair

2011-10-26T13:58:00.000-07:00

Effective immediately, ACE is pleased to announce U.S. Senator Herb Kohl has been named Honorary Chair of the Foundation!

Please click here to read the full press release.

Make the Pledge to Be Drug-Free – Red Ribbon Week, Oct. 23-31

2011-10-25T09:17:00.000-07:00

Every great change starts with a thought and a promise. This week, the pledge to be drug free is the promise that can save your own life as well as those of your children, friends, family, neighbors, students – and the list goes on. Red Ribbon Week gives families and communities the chance to take action against drug use. The Red Ribbon Campaign for a drug-free lifestyle is the oldest and largest drug prevention program in the nation reaching millions of young people each year.

This year, the campaign has included an exciting contest:

Students (K-12) can enter by decorating their homes together with their parents - mailboxes, front doors or fences. Parents (18 or older) can upload photos to www.redribbon.org or www.facebook.com/RedRibbonWeek , then friends and family can vote for their entry, November 1-15. The students with the most votes will win $1,000 for their schools and an iPad 2 for themselves.

By making the pledge, you and your family commit to setting a standard of zero-tolerance for drug use in your community.

The National Family Partnership wants to help you build a drug-free America by starting in your own neighborhood:

Plan a Red Ribbon celebration

Order and display Red Ribbon materials with the National Red Ribbon Theme. Proceeds from the sale of Red Ribbon theme merchandise helps support prevention programs across America. Order for your family, students, staff, patients, employees and customers and encourage them to wear the Red Ribbon symbol during Red Ribbon Week.

Encourage your friends and followers to make the pledge with you

For more ideas on how to celebrate Red Ribbon Week in your home, school, or community, check out the Red Ribbon Week Planning Guide. Don’t forget to let us know how you celebrated! Send us your story and pictures here, on Facebook, or on Twitter!

* Be the change you want to see – make the Pledge to Be Drug-Free *

Global Handwashing Day is Tomorrow

2011-10-14T14:45:00.000-07:00

Wait, what is Global Handwashing Day? Well, it’s a chance to:

Build the culture of handwashing with soap around the world

Take a look at the state of handwashing in every country

Tell a friend about the benefits of handwashing with soap

Each year, over 200 million people are involved in celebrations in over 100 countries around the world.

So what’s the big deal?

Handwashing with soap is “the most effective and inexpensive way to prevent diarrheal and acute respiratory infections, which take the lives of millions of children in developing countries every year. Together, they are responsible for the majority of all child deaths.”

Yet, people still don’t do it! Visit http://www.henrythehand.com/ for ideas on how to celebrate Global Handwashing Day, "just for the health of it"! For more information on handwashing with soap, including research, tools, and news visit http://www.globalhandwashing.org/

Reality Tour & the Day of Giving

2011-10-03T14:25:00.000-07:00

The Alliance for Consumer Education (ACE) recently had an opportunity to speak with Norma Norris, the Executive Director of CANDLE Inc.:

ACE: Why did you form CANDLE Inc.?

Norma: CANDLE ('Community Action Network for Drug-free Lifestyle Empowerment') was formed in 2004. It’s a 501(c)3 non-profit whose mission is to oversee the replications of the Reality Tour® Drug Prevention Program in other communities and support ongoing research and development of innovative prevention designs.

ACE: What is the Reality Tour and why is Oct 4th important?

Norma: The Reality Tour is a permanent community-based substance abuse prevention program that is a parent/child experience that uses narrated dramatic scenes to illustrate the 'life and death of a teen on drugs'. The comprehensive program includes a coping skills segment as well as Q&A sessions with law enforcement and a recovery spokesperson. Several unique and surprising elements keep the participants engaged. All 12 sectors of the community are involved in the presentation and it is volunteer-driven.

Reality Tour has proved so popular with parents and schools, that sometimes there is a waiting list to attend the monthly programs that CANDLE oversees. Currently the evidence-based program is replicated in 18 Pennsylvania communities and 8 other states. It takes about 90 days to start a Reality Tour to address the full scope of substance abuse in any community. By design, it is able to keep current with changing drug trends. In 2008, Reality Tour was accepted by the National Registry of Evidence-based Programs and Practices.

October 4th is important because it is the 'Day of Giving' and donations made online via the link on our website http://www.realitytour.org/ are matched by the Pittsburgh Foundation.

ACE: In your opinion why is it important for parents and kids to learn together?

Norma: Research shows that parents are our most powerful prevention tool and they exercise this power through ongoing discussions and good parental monitoring. However, until parents understand the true risk and scope of substance abuse, they are not as effective in discussions with their child and not as vigilant in their monitoring of the child's activities. By imparting crucial substance abuse knowledge via the Reality Tour, in a manner that is appropriate for children, parent and child are able to 'get on the same page' to form the foundation for future discussions. Children understand that the changes that take place in parental monitoring after Reality Tour are because their parents care and youth are appreciative instead of challenged. Parents also need to better understand the environment of their child outside of the home. The child cannot determine what is relevant to bring to their parent's attention, since they take their environment as a given. Reality Tour acts as a 'translator' for key prevention information for both parent and child. We understand the missing links for both parents and children.

ACE: Do you have any statistics and/or stories on the effectiveness of your program?

Norma: We have both anecdotal and data-driven evidence to demonstrate the effectiveness of the Reality Tour. In terms of data follow-up studies show that parents do increase the frequency of in-home discussion and that the Reality Tour had formed the foundation for those discussions. Changes in increased parental monitoring were evident as well. As it relates to youth the perception of harm from substance abuse increased, on the part of youth who attended the Reality Tour, and that perception was sustained in the follow-up study. 100% of parents who were surveyed felt it was essential that they attended the Reality Tour with their child.

I can give you 3 instances that we know of where a child's association with addictive substances was changed:
January 2011: A group of Scouts attended with their parents and the next day one of the Mom's wrote to say that, "The value of Reality Tour goes beyond the 3-hr program. She then told how her son shared what he learned about inhalant abuse at the school lunch table with friends, telling them, "You could die the first time you try it!" Immediately one of the boys at the table blurted out, "My brother does that all the time!" When the Scout told his Mom about the incident, she called the boys Mom and alerted the school as well.

May 2009: Most of the Scout Troop attended with their parents. Right after the Reality Tour ended one scout told his parents that another scout (not in attendance) was smoking marijuana. The scout's Mom was informed and they were at the next Reality Tour along with other scouts and parents who hadn't attended yet. One Dad came up to thank me with tears in his eyes stating that. "Without the Reality Tour my son would have had a very different summer."

May 2008: A`16 yr old at-risk youth, who didn't want to come to the program, on her own wrote to say that she was giving up smoking marijuana because she wasn't going to throw her life away. She stated, 'After going to the Reality Tour....you don't even know what to say, it is so amazing!

ACE: How is the Reality Tour sustained?

Norma: To me there are two of God's miracles at work with the Reality Tour:
1) It is able to be replicated easily in other communities
2) The volunteer force can be sustained and attract new volunteers with each program

I attribute the success of attracting and sustaining at to one key element - most everyone has a tragic instance of substance abuse in their family, their friend's family or their community, in the Reality Tour all volunteers have an important role and they can virtually see and feel the change that occurs during the program.

ACE: Do you think it is true that one person can make a difference in prevention?

Norma: The Reality Tour is the type of program that one person can champion and change their community. For example, a program started in Westmoreland County, PA because a gentleman heard me speak about Reality Tour for 5 minutes at a meeting. Oregon's program started because Debby Jones participated in one of our teleconferences. In every instance, it was one person sharing the common sense concept of Reality Tour. In Florida, two women not only got a Reality Tour started, but a coalition was formed by the volunteers. They are now respected prevention leaders in the state of Florida.

ACE: What about the lack of funding in today's economic conditions - how does that impact starting a Reality Tour?

Norma: If people can get beyond thinking they need a grant in order to have a prevention program, they will learn that Reality Tour is designed for current economic times. In an interview with Reality Tour Directors, some say their costs are as little as the cost of photocopies. I actually do a training to show how the Reality Tour can attract prevention dollars.
One of my most interesting comments in the area of funding was from a young woman who loved the design of Reality Tour because it reaches parents - a goal of her organization - BUT the organization had a grant in place. Her comment was, "I can't introduce the Reality Tour because everyone will want to do it instead of the projects covered by our grant."

ACE: Is the Reality Tour suitable for urban, suburban and rural communities?

Norma: Yes. The population base dictates how often you schedule Reality Tour presentations. Rural setting may host the program two times a year, while more populated areas will host monthly or bi-monthly. Some communities will need several presentation sites.

ACE: How does Reality Tour attract participants?

Norma: Initially the community-at-large will populate the program. Thereafter partnerships with schools, that dedicate a grade level to the evening program, will attract parents to take their children. At a recent school open house 300 parents/students signed up to attend. Typically, our capacity is for 80 persons, since the program is meant to take place in an intimate setting....it is not a stage production. Schools want to reach parents and are delighted to work with organizations that can make this happen.

ACE: Can the Reality Tour also serve as a memorial?

Norma: Yes, our East Cleveland Reality Tour is dedicated to the memory of Kyle Williams. Kyle was introduced to inhalants and the consequences were tragic Kyle died March 2, 2005. His father, police officer Jeff Williams is known all over the United States for his efforts to prevent inhalant abuse. Officer Williams participates in the Reality Tour and is able to educate parents on this hidden form of substance abuse in a memorable way.

ACE: Where can people go to learn more and get involved in their respective communities?

Norma: There is a wealth of information on our website at http://www.realitytour.org/. Additionally, I host free teleconferences each month interested persons may register on our website under "Program Model' Organizations may also request a private teleconference for 6 or more staff. A media kit can also be requested via the contact button on the site. It is important to note that as long as you have 12 people who care about substance abuse.

Did you know Sept 18-24, 2011 is International Clean Hands Week?

2011-09-19T11:06:00.000-07:00

According to Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), the single most important thing we can do to keep from getting sick and spreading illness to others is to clean our hands. More than 164 million school days are lost each year due to illness, but that number can be greatly reduced just by practicing proper hand washing.

International Clean Hands Week (ICHW) highlights the importance of having proper hand hygiene and seeks to educate people on how. Are you, your school, organization, etc doing anything special for this week? Please email us and let us know so we can highlight your efforts: AceClean@consumered.org.

In honor of the ICHW, ACE will be working with the Clean Hands Coalition to present a special hand washing appearance to help “clean up” the U.S. Department of Agriculture Farmer’s Market Friday September 23, 2011 (11:00am- 2:00pm). USDA Farmer’s Market at 12th Street and Independence Avenue SW, Washington DC.

Our very own Ace Clean with be joined by Henry the Hand Champion Handwasher, FightBac and other hand washing experts will be on hand teaching and distributing educational materials “spreading the word not the germs”!

More information about the hand washing event can be found on the Clean Hands Coalition Facebook page

Inhalant Abuse Prevention Poster Contest Winner

2011-07-29T13:34:00.000-07:00

Congratulations to Kelly O. for winning the ACE- New Britain Rock Cats Inhalant Prevention Poster Contest! The instructions were to create a super hero and make him/her say an educational anti-huffing message. The top winners' posters were displayed on the outfield screen for all those in the ballpark at the Inhalant Awareness game to see.

Meet Professor Grime

2011-07-28T13:31:00.000-07:00

On Wednesday, July 13, 2011 ACE launched its second mascot, Professor Grime.
The mascot was unveiled at the New Hampshire Fisher Cats Stadium during the AA
Eastern League All-Star game.
Professor Grime proved even more popular than imagined and combined with Ace
Clean, the mascots will definitely prove an effective way to get ACE’s Disease
Prevention Program out to key audiences.

Community Block Party:
• The evening before the game, the residents of Manchester, NH mingled with players, coaches, and local
businesses in the town square for the annual “All-Star Block Party.”
• ACE had a table set up in the town square where it was able to discuss its program and distribute its
educational materials along with the program rulers, magnets, baseballs, bobbleheads, and for the first
time, Professor Grime’s official baseball card.

Pre-Game Ceremony:
• Just as the homerun derby was concluding the announcer addressed the entire stadium, setting the stage
and getting the crowd excited about Professor Grime’s arrival.
• Professor Grime dramatically then came running out of the dugout chasing children around the field. As
the crowd cheered the kids on, Ace Clean arrived on the field, battling Professor Grime and ultimately
protecting the young children.
• ACE then addressed the crowd from the field, providing key preventative messaging and directing listeners to visit http://stopgerms.org/ to learn more.
• The announcer then followed up with a few additional key messages and also reiterated the value of visiting ACE’s StopGerms.org and Consumered.org website
During the Game:
• Through the game ACE had a table on the main concourse where it was able to distribute its educational materials.
• Both mascots, Ace Clean and Professor Grime were also in attendance at the booth- playfully battling each other on the concourse and signing autographs for young fans.

Teens Attempt to Burglarize Property

2011-07-26T09:02:00.000-07:00

Two 17-year-olds have been arrested for burglary and cited for use of narcotics and inhalants after they were caught attempting to burglarize a local home.

The teens were released to their parents.

Via nebraska.tv in Kearney, NE

Huffing Spike Continues

2011-07-26T08:41:00.000-07:00

This summer many communities around the nation have reported spikes in inhalant abuse reports.

A sherrif in Clay County, Iowa has reported that many huffing related incidents have popped up in the past month. So much, in fact, that officials have proposed an ordinance against violators. The proposed draft calls for fines up to 300 dollars and 30 days in jail for those caught huffing with an additional fine of 150 dollars for possessing huffing paraphernalia.

The first reading of the ordinance by the Clay County Board of Supervisors is scheduled for the very near future.

Via kicdam.com in Spencer, IA

Heroes of the Health League Launch

2011-07-19T11:58:00.001-07:00

On June 26, 2011, ACE launched its Heroes of the Health League Program at the Bowling Green Hot Rods Stadium in Kentucky.

In partnering with the Hot Rods, AA minor league affiliate of theTampa Bay Rays, ACE was also able to strengthen its relationship with minor league baseball.

The event ultimately exceeded initial expectations with immediate spikes in traffic to the newly designed

Consumered.org and the game proved even more popular than we had anticipated. Feedback from attendees that day was so positive that the team has agreed to keep the signs up all season.

Every individual entering the stadium received a co-branded ACE / Hot Rods baseball. At the entrance and throughout the stadium, tables were set up where the children could design their own hero badge.

ACE partnered with the Kentucky Regional Poison Center so both ACE and the Poison Center addressed the crowd with an educational message. The event was timed to coincide with kindergarten graduation in South Central Kentucky so all participating kindergarten graduates were invited to an on-field parade of local heroes including first responders, firefighters, police, EMTs, teachers, poison educators, military, and baseball players.

On the main concourse a large screen monitor was set up where children and accompanying adults could visit the Heroes of the Health League site and play the game. To play the game please click here.

Minnesota Twins & ACE Strike Out event

2011-06-27T14:20:00.000-07:00

ACE launched its Strike Out Inhalant Abuse in Minnesota program at an event at the Minnesota Twins Stadium. See the short video below for a summary of the event:

Highlights of the Minnesota event include:

• ACE and MN Twins developed a co-branded Strike Out Inhalant Abuse poster that was given to first 10,000 fans.

• "Great Strikeouts in Twins History" montage that was played on the JumboTron & referenced ACE's inhalant.org.

• ACE enhanced its social media presence by creating a Minnesota Twitter channel and engaging MN Twins bloggers.

• Debut of Twins pitcher Glen Perkins' public service announcement created for the event. Between May 13 and May 25, 2,041,000 people were exposed to it on FoxSports North.

Baseball's Bowling Green Hot Rods & ACE launch Children's Health Education Program

2011-06-24T14:28:00.000-07:00

In conjunction with the Alliance for Consumer Education (ACE), the Bowling Green Hot Rods are hosting the national launch of a new health program. This Sunday, June 26, as the team celebrates kindergarten graduates in South Central Kentucky, ACE will introduce the country to Heroes of the Health League℠, its newest program aimed at teaching young children about important health issues.

“We are honored that ACE has chosen the Hot Rods and Bowling Green, Kentucky as the launch pad for this new program,” said John Willi, Vice President of the Hot Rods ownership group, DSF Sports. “This important initiative is relevant to children of all ages, especially the recent kindergarten graduates we will honor on June 26.” Local kindergarten classes are being invited to take part in a “Parade of Heroes” around the field and participate in opening ceremonies. The parade will also include local first responders, teachers, poison educators and other local “heroes”.

Heroes of the Health League is an all encompassing look at the home through the eyes of children. “The Hot Rods continue to be an integral part of their community by educating fans on how to stay safe. In supporting our newest program – which covers poison prevention, recycling, fire safety, fall prevention, pet safety, product management and sustainability – they are ensuring children and their families are equipped with knowledge for a healthier future,” says Colleen Creighton, ACE Executive Director.

During the baseball game, children will have the opportunity to play the Heroes of the Health League game and travel through a virtual house - clicking in rooms and playing mini games to learn health and safety tips. After completing the game, children will have the chance to design their own Heroes of the Health League badges.

Gates will open one hour prior to the game with first pitch at 2:05 PM. The first 1500 fans will receive a limited edition Hot Rods-ACE baseball. All 2011 kindergarten graduates get into the game free while parents and older children will have the opportunity to purchase specially-priced tickets to experience the game and learn about the Heroes of the Health League with their children. Parents are urged to call the Hot Rods Ticket Office at 270.901.2121 to secure their tickets in advance. For more information, visit http://www.bghotrods.com/.

Q&A With Board Certified Family Medicine Physician: Dr. Caudle

2011-05-31T06:53:00.000-07:00

Dr. Jennifer Caudle is a physician Board certified in Family Medicine who promotes , wellness and motivational programs. She has appeared on ABC News, written healthy advice articles and led workshops nationally. Her message of wellness has reached over 50,000 people and she can be found at http://www.jennifercaudle.com/.

Q: How should parents promote dialogue with their children about inhalant abuse?

A: One of the best things to do is to ask about their behavior, friends behavior and things they’ve seen

Q: What would you like children to know about the danger and severity of inhalant abuse?

A: A lot of people don’t know how common it is. You can have effects after the first try such as nausea, headaches; and more serious issues such as kidney, heart, lung problems and even sudden death.

Q: What are some treatments inhalant abusers must undergo to end their addiction?

A: There are treatment centers for abusers to get help. The most important thing is to get them help.

Q: Why do you feel inhalants are so popular?
A: Inhalants are popular because they are so easy to find. Many substances can be found around the house and at hardware stores.

Q: What is something that is usually overlooked when it comes to inhalant abuse?

A: A lot of adults abuse inhalants as well. Well over 54% of people who go to treatment are adults. Inhalant abuse can happen at all ages.

Q: What is your main message to the public?

A: People tend to overlook inhalant abuse as substance abuse when in reality it is. The signs are not always clear you may or may not notice them. Knowledge is power. We need to educate children, adults and health care providers more on this issue. No one should use inhalants. Parents, talk to your kids about the dangers. Also, physicians are always a great resource for any questions or advice.

FOX 9 of St. Paul Minnesota Covers ACE's Partnership with the Minnesota Twins

2011-05-20T08:59:00.000-07:00

Via myfoxtwincities.com St. Paul, MN

FOX 9 medical expert Dr. Archelle Georgiou talks with a former abuser and a local prevention expert about the warning signs of inhalant abuse in addition to the Alliance for Consumer Education's "Strike Out Inhalant Abuse in Minnesota" initiative with the Minnesota Twins.

myFOX Health: Inhalant Abuse Dangers: MyFoxTWINCITIES.com

Alliance for Consumer Education Receives an Honorable Mention at the PR News Award

2011-05-20T08:02:00.000-07:00

Via prnewsonline.com Washington D.C.

On May 18, 2011 PR News congratulated all Non-Profit PR award winners and honorable mentions in a luncheon held at the National Press Club in Washington D.C.

The Alliance for Consumer Education received an honorable mention in the Media Relations category for their "Super Heroes Team Up To Fight Germs" campaign, against stiff competition. The overall winner in the category was Dentsu Communications.

Congratulations to the Alliance for Consumer Education for such a great achievment!

A Message from Harvey Weiss the Executive Director of the National Inhalant Prevention Coalition

2011-05-18T13:23:00.000-07:00

When Prevention Fails or Comes Too Late:
By: Harvey Weiss the Executive Director of the National Inhalant Prevention Coalition

At a recent meeting I mentioned data included in this and our last UPDATE and was challenged about the data’s accuracy. This sort of reminded me of the old Rodney Dangerfield line, “I can’t get no respect.” Or should I say, inhalants can’t get no respect!

Inhalant abuse is generally not the first thing that crops up when people talk or write about major substance abuse challenges; especially among adults. Meth, crack and heroin ring out but who would guess more adults “huff” than get involved in these substances. As perspective and to link some concerns together, I’ll cite a few facts that are elaborated on in our last UPDATE and this one:

Any time an inhalant is used or experimented with, it could be a fatal episode;
• Inhalants are usually the first substance a young person experiments with;
• Among 12 or 13 year olds, more kids “huff” than do any other illicit substance;
• For all people 12 and older, more people abuse inhalants than use meth, cocaine, heroin, oxycontin, LSD or sedatives;
• More people over the age of 18 are in treatment for inhalant dependence than are individuals younger than 18; and
• At least 280 inhalant related deaths were reported to the NIPC last year.

I would be the first to concur that the problems associated with use of meth, crack, heroin, oxycontin, LSD and sedatives are important and must be addressed. However we rarely hear the term inhalant abuse uttered with the same frequency or in the same context of alarm as these substances. Maybe it is about time more attention be paid to the substance being abused by more people - INHALANTS. We can no longer say our messages are just for youth but we must expand our audience to embrace adults of all ages.

While education and awareness are the keys to early prevention there must also be ongoing efforts to help people of all ages caught up in the stranglehold of inhalant abuse.

Q&A with the Director of the New England Inhalant Abuse Prevention Coalition: Howard Wolfe

2011-05-18T13:19:00.000-07:00

Howard Wolfe is the Director of the New England Inhalant Abuse Prevention Coalition. He started working on inhalant abuse with the Massachusetts Department of Public Health in 1994, as a founding member of Massachusetts Inhalant Abuse Task Force. The task force developed an educational campaign called, “A Breath Away,” in response to a dramatic increase in incidents of inhalant abuse in Massachusetts in the early 1990’s. The goal of the program, which also formed the foundation for his current organization, was to educate as many adults as possible who have an ongoing relationship with kids.

What is the New England Inhalant Abuse Prevention Coalition?

The New England Inhalant Abuse Prevention Coalition was founded based on a 2003
Center for Substance Abuse Prevention Grant to Howard Wolfe and the New England Institute for Addiction Studies. The goal was to disseminate best practices in inhalant abuse prevention and treatment to all of New England.

Has the Coalition been successful?

The results of the initial attempts was an incredible one year, 27% drop in first time use, which means an astonishing 50,000 kids in New England chose NOT to start using inhalants. The latest data shows that New England continues to improved upon this drop; inhalant use is down 40% from the project base-line (2005). (Data is from the National Survey on Drug Use and Health.)

How did you accomplish this?

Early on we did research that showed that adults were in the dark about inhalants, but many kids knew. We developed a website for parents, www.InhalantAbuseTraining.org, a 20 minute training which teaches parents about inhalants, how to spot use, and contains scripts to assist parents of all aged kids to start a conversation with their kids about the dangers of inhalant abuse and safe use of products. Inhalants are never referred to as drugs (unless they already see it as a drug), and there is no mention of getting “high,” but rather they are referred to as poisons, pollutants, toxins, and fire and explosion hazards, which is what these products become when misused. The coalition worked with the existing prevention and treatment systems in each state to enhance their effectiveness with inhalant abuse best practices. For more information about our approach, go to www.inhalantprevention.org .

Have you seen any negative trends lately?

Though New England rates of abuse are now at historic lows, products that have no odor or residue are becoming more popular. Because their use is hard to detect, people are able to abuse products in their bedrooms, at work or in cars. The result is an increase in dangerous activities like using inhalants while driving or at work (on ladders, for instance).

What is next for the New England Inhalant Abuse Coalition?

Our goal now is to take what we have learned about best practices in inhalant abuse prevention and treatment and share them with other parts of the US. We are also seeking to engage the federal government as well. Inhalants are the only drug for which there are no federal laws and no national policy.

In your opinion, what do you think is the most important thing for parents and

communities to know about inhalant abuse?
We can prevent a lot of inhalant abuse just by spreading our “Key Messages” to anyone who has a relationship with a child or teen. Those messages are:

1. More than 1,000 everyday products, including cleaning, office, and art supplies, sol¬vents, gases, and shop chemicals have the potential to be abused as inhalants.

2. Inhalants are actually poisons, pollutants, toxins, and fire hazards. They are made of crude oil and were never meant to be inhaled.

3. These products are safe when used as directed, but when vapors are concen¬trated and breathed in, they can become dangerous and deadly.

4. There is no level of safe use for inhalants. 33% of deaths are the result of first time use.

5. Inhalants can be addictive, both psychologically and physically. There are roughly as many inhalant addicts as heroin ad¬dicts in this country.

6. Inhalants can cause permanent damage to the nervous system, lungs, liver, kid¬neys, and brain.

7. More kids are using inhalants than adults think – and at earlier ages. Along with tobacco and alcohol, it is one of the first drugs that children will try. Nationally, nearly one out of five 8th through 12th graders has intentionally inhaled to get high. Recent data suggest growing interest in inhalants by older teens and adults.

8. We can prevent inhalant abuse by being aware of the problem and talking to children about product safety, reading warning labels on products and modeling safe use and safe storage.

For more information, visit www.InhalantAbuseTraining.org.

Aaron Hunt

2011-03-22T13:22:00.000-07:00

WWW.AARONHUNT.ORG

On the evening of April 12, 2010 while riding in a car with 2 other people, Aaron Hunt chased a dangerous high inhaling propane fumes. His heart stopped and his brain was without oxygen for around 10 minutes before rescue workers arrived. Aaron was put on life support when he arrived at the hospital. After numerous tests, it was determined that there was no brain activity. On April 16, 2010, Aaron was removed from life support.

Aaron left behind his mom, dad, brothers, sisters and the love of his life, Alex Jankowski on April 16^th.

Aaron was only weeks away from graduating from McHenry West High School and had plans on attending a trade school to become an automotive technician.

Aaron had a magnetic personality and an unbelievable smile that would light up any room that he walked into.

His family and his girl friend, Alex, decided to channel their grief in a positive way and create an event that would keep Aaron's memory alive, and celebrate his 18 years of life. The aim of "Balloons for Aaron Hunt" is to bring huffing awareness to his hometown, as well as to the surrounding neighborhoods. Our mission is to support educational efforts that raise awareness among students of all ages about the potential dangers of huffing.

Thank You to the Eastern Aerosol Association

2011-03-02T14:08:00.000-08:00

In this photo from left to right: Dennis Smith, Queshia Bradley, Colleen Creighton, Cindy Hundley, Ken Wanner

ACE would like to extend a big THANK YOU to the Eastern Aerosol Association (EAA) for their kind contribution.

We would also like to thank EAA for the work they are doing in the community in raising awareness of inhalant abuse via their efforts in minor league baseball.

Once again THANK YOU, and keep up the good work!

Photo Courtesy of Spray Technology & Marketing Magazine

National Inhalants & Poisons Awareness Week (NIPAW) is March 20 - 26, 2011.

2011-03-02T08:10:00.001-08:00

Fast Facts about Inhalant Abuse*

- The Average age of first time users was 16.9 years.
- 67.9 percent of first time users were under age 18 when they first used.
- 813,000 people aged 12+ used inhalants for the first time in the last year.
- Inhalant Abuse (Huffing, Dusting, Sniffing) - can kill... users can die the first or 100th time they use an inhalant

How are YOU raising awareness of inhalant abuse in YOUR community? Share your stories and events, and we will post it to our ACE Community blog. Please email information and any questions to Lindsey Partridge: lpartridge@consumered.org

Education is the key to preventing Inhalant Abuse - Be in the know. Visit www.Inhalant.org to learn more.

*All statistics from 2009 National Survey on Drug Use and Health: http://oas.samhsa.gov/NSDUH/2k9NSDUH/2k9ResultsP.pdf

Iron Man and Ace Clean Team Up!

2010-10-20T09:40:00.000-07:00

Nearly 22 million school days are lost annually due to the common cold, according to the Centers for Disease Control. With cold and flu season upon us, the Alliance for Consumer Education (ACE) is educating children on simple steps they can take to keep themselves safe and healthy.

One simple step that can be taken to reduce the spread of germs is to properly wash hands. As part of our campaign, 90,000 comic-book styled, educational book covers were developed and distributed to New York City grade schools to teach just that. The book covers, which feature Ace Clean alongside Marvel Entertainment's Iron Man, include illustrations of the heroes for children to color, mini games, and healthy tips!

To kickoff this initiative, Ace Clean and Iron Man met in Times Square to demonstrate proper hand washing with the assistance of a representative from the Association for Professionals in Infection Control & Epidemiology (APIC). The event was even broadcast on the Reuters and NASDAQ video billboards! The busy day concluded with a press conference at Midtown Comics to highlight the importance of hand washing.

Click here to learn more and see video and images from the fun filled day!

Thank you all for your continued support! Sincerely,The Alliance for Consumer Education

ACE Congratulates SAFE

2010-10-18T10:55:00.000-07:00

Congratulations to Substance Abuse Free Environment Inc. (SAFE) for being selected as one of the recipients of the 2010 National Exemplary Award for Innovative Substance Abuse Prevention Programs, Practices and Policies! SAFE received the award for its inhalant abuse prevention initiative.

SAFE began its education efforts in the Virginia community of Chesterfield in 1999. Though inhalant abuse was not a well-known issue, data showed inhalants were abused at an alarming rate among local eighth graders.

According to the recent Prevention Needs Assessment Survey, SAFE’s work has helped to reduce this rate. Over the past five years (2005 to 2010), SAFE has reduced lifetime use of inhalants among eighth graders by 44%! Furthermore, use of inhalants in this community during the past 30 days has also dropped by 64% since 2005. To see the entire survey, please click here.

This is a great accomplishment for SAFE and the community their work continues to impact! For more information about their educational programs or to read about how SAFE has inspired hundreds of community volunteers over the years, please visit www.chesterfieldsafe.org.

Join Ace Clean and Iron Man in New York!

2010-09-29T03:38:00.000-07:00

The Alliance for Consumer Education’s superhero, Ace Clean, will be appearing with Marvel Entertainment’s and Paramount Pictures’ Iron Man in Times Square this Friday, Oct 1^st.

During morning rush hour, Iron Man and Ace Clean will be demonstrating proper hand washing with the assistance of The Association for Professionals in Infection Control & Epidemiology (APIC). The event will also broadcast on the Reuters and NASDAQ video billboards. Local schoolchildren and passersby will be able to pose with Iron Man and Ace Clean for pictures.

Purpose of the event is to raise awareness of ACE distributing 90,000 comic-book style book covers featuring Ace Clean and Iron Man to NY area school children. In addition to cool graphics, and mini games, the book covers feature simple tips on how children can stay healthy.

Below you will find a piece of our book cover.

To see the full book cover make sure to visit our Facebook page or stay tuned for our follow up blog post. Better yet check us out on twitter, as we’ll be tweeting live all Friday morning!