Alliance For Consumer Education

NIPAW 2013: "Be A Superhero In Your Home" Event

2013-03-29T15:00:00.001-07:00

The Alliance for Consumer Education partnered with the American Association of Poison Control Centers (AAPCC) and YMCA of Metropolitan Washington to host "Be A Superhero In Your Home" in recognition of National Inhalants and Poisons Awareness Week.

On Friday, March 22, 2013 around 200 children were at the YMCA Arlington to learn how to "Be A Superhero in Their Home". The highlight of the event was a visit from Batman- a Poison Prevention Superhero! Arriving in his 1966 replica Batmobile, Batman met with the children to give poison prevention advice like asking an adult before consuming something, not putting products that may harm you into your body, and by reading directions and labels to ensure products are being used in the correct way.

Children worked their way through the following seven stations to become a "Superhero in the Home".

PhD Station

Station 1: PhD Station: The YMCA PhD On The Move Van had children running through obstacles to reach cones that featured two similiar looking pictures. Children had to knock over the cone with the picture they thought was safe to consume.

Superhero Masks Station

Station 2: Superhero Masks: Since children were becoming superheroes in the home, this station allowed children to create their own superhero identity by having them create a superhero mask.

Which One Can I Taste? Station

Station 3: Which One Can I Taste?: Children were shown two pictures of similar looking items. One of the items is a consumable product that is ok to eat, while the other is a product from the home that serves a great purpose, but is something one should not eat. Children were asked which they thought was safe to taste. The children were able to see how similar items can look and if they are unsure of what something is they need to ask permission from an adult before touching or tasting.

Safe to Taste Collages

Station 4: Safe to Taste Collage: Children searched through magazines and newspapers to find pictures of items that are safe to taste and not safe to taste. They then added the images to group collage boards that were presented at the end of the event, as a visual reminder of what the kids learned throughout the day.

Batman meeting with CSPA
President Chris Cathcart and
his family during the Batman Station.

Station 5: Batman: Children had the opportunity to meet with Batman in a small group setting. Batman explained why he is a Poison Prevention Superhero, and gave out Batman goodies to the kids!

Station 6: How Can I be a Superhero In The Home?: Children discussed and created a list of ways they can be poison prevention superheroes at home. Relying on the information they had gathered throughout the other stations, children talked about ways to protect themselves and their families- like reading labels and asking before touching.

I Make a Good Superhero Because....

Station 7: I Make a GoodSuperhero in the Home Because...: Children chose one way they can be a superhero in the home and either drew or wrote what they will do. Children also signed "Thank you" posters to Batman thanking him for coming to the event.

Thank you posters to Batman!

All children left with an ACE Goodie Bag which included Inhalant Abuse and Poison Prevention materials, YMCA materials, and a special gift bag from Batman!

For more pictures of the event please visit ACE's Facebook here. Also, for more information on NIPAW and inhalant abuse prevention please visit www.inhalant.org/NIPAW.

ACE at the AHR Expo

2013-02-14T11:19:00.000-08:00

Diversified Booth with ACE materials.

A huge thank you to ACE Supporters Bill Frauenheim and Diversified CPC for representing ACE at the International Air-Conditioning, Heating, and Refrigerating (AHR) Exposition; the event was from January 28-30th in Dallas, Texas. As a member of ACE, Bill has gone above and beyond in reaching out to spread awareness on inhalant abuse prevention.

The AHR Expo featured more than 51,000 attendees from the HVACR (Heating, Ventalation, Air-Conditioning, and Refrigerant) industry. Having ACE materials at the event allowed ACE to reach many new industry professionals that will be able to share these resources with their consumers.

Bill continuing to spread awareness on inhalant abuse prevention.

ACE materials were placed at the Diversified booth for all participants of the expo to browse and take. Bill was also present at the booth to answer any questions and inform participants of the importance of stepping up within the industry to help educate consumers on inhalant abuse.

Thank you Bill and Diversified for your continued support!

Ace Clean Visits Arlington, Virginia Schools

2013-02-07T07:28:00.000-08:00

ACE CLEAN VISITS ARLINGTON SCHOOLS

Be Bold, Prevent a Cold!

Alliance for Consumer Education (ACE) partnered with Arlington County Public Health Department, School Health Division to deliver a message of preventing the spread of disease to Arlington elementary students.

Can germs be seen on your hands?

ACE's germ-fighting superhero, Ace Clean, and his nemesis-the genius behind germs, Professor Grime, visited ten Arlington elementary schools showing students how germs spread, how to prevent the spread of germs, and how to sneeze and cough correctly. More than 4,000 students from pre-kindergarten to fifth grade at Abingdon, Barcroft, Campbell, Carlin Springs, Drew Model, Glebe, Patrick Henry, Long Branch, Oakridge, and Tuckahoe Elementary saw the assemblies and were able to meet Ace Clean and Professor Grime.

Ordering the germiest places in a classroom

Students saw an Adventures of Ace Clean video, participated in a "Germy, Glitter Spreading" activity, arranged the five germiest places in a classroom, saw the effects of a sneeze through "sneeze bottles," counted how long a sneeze stays in the air using baby powder, and played StopGerms Trivia to learn how to sneeze, how long to wash their hands, and other fun germ facts like how fast a sneeze travels!

Ace Clean and Professor Grime after a presentation at Patrick Henry Elementary.

All students who saw the presentation also received a Be Bold, Prevent a Cold packet and a Marvel/ACE co-branded poster of Ace Clean and Iron Man fighting Professor Grime and his germs!

ACE/Marvel Poster

Pictures from the presentations can be found on Ace Clean's Facbook page. Each school has their own individual album!

President Obama Declares December National Impaired Driving Prevention Month

2012-12-11T12:50:00.000-08:00

For the third year in a row, President Obama has declared December as the National Impaired Driving Prevention Month. Recognizing the vast number of deaths that occur each year from alcohol and illegal drug use while driving, the President hopes to "recommit to keeping our streets safe, families healthy, and communities strong."

In his Presidential proclamation on November 30th, 2012, Mr. Obama informs America that the number of driving accidents caused by illegal substance use is far to great, and that he is working hard to reduce the prevalence of these accidents. Some specific actions the President plans to take in efforts to eliminate these incidents include raising public awareness, improving impaired driving screening procedures, and giving law enforcement officials the training that they need.

The proclamation concludes with President Obama asking parents to talk with their kids about the dangers of impaired driving, and strategies they can use to stay safe.

For more information, check out the document from the President, here.

85% of Individuals in Farragut Square Report Washing their Hands Before Lunch

2012-11-09T08:27:00.001-08:00

This past Wednesday, November 7^th, was a busy day for Ace Clean and his nemesis, Professor Grime. These two mascots from the Alliance for Consumer Education took to the streets of DC during lunchtime to education individuals in Farragut Square and the Golden Triangle area about disease prevention. Ace Clean and Professor Grime surveyed lunch goers on whether they had washed their hands before eating lunch that day. If the participant responded yes, they became an honorary member of the “Gleam Team,” and the individual took a picture with Ace Clean. If the participant did not wash their hands before lunch, he or she was considered “Grime Time” and received a picture with Professor Grime.

These two mascots ran around Farragut Square and the surrounding area for over an hour, and visited areas such as the Metro, various food trucks, and even the White House! Ace Clean and Professor Grime talked to businessmen and businesswomen on their lunch breaks, metro riders, government officials, and golden triangle workers.

Ace Clean and Professor Grime outside the White House!

In addition to having their picture taken, participants also tallied whether they had or had not washed their hands on a poster board. When the day was complete, the scores were tallied and revealed that 85% of those surveyed washed their hands before eating lunch on Wednesday. While this is a great percentage of individuals who demonstrated proper hygiene…we can work to make this number higher!

Where do you think Ace Clean and Professor Grime should visit next? Visit our Facebook at www.facebook.com/AceClean1 and let us know!

ACE Clean at Farragut Square- Wednesday Nov 7th at Noon

2012-11-02T13:35:00.001-07:00

On Wednesday, November 7^th, 2012, our disease prevention masot, Ace Clean, will be taking on the streets of DC to talk to the public about staying germ-free. Ace Clean and his team from the Alliance for Consumer Education will be visiting Farragut Square and the Golden Triangle area during lunchtime (around 12:00 p.m.). Not only will Ace be visiting various eateries such as Starbucks, Chop’t Salad, and more, but he will also be hanging out with different food trucks in the square. In addition, Ace will visit the Farragut West Metro and Bus stops.

So, what exactly is Ace going to do?

Ace Clean will be talking with business professionals and other individuals on break about their commitment to disease prevention. Ace will be taking pictures and signing autographs in the form of business cards, each which will be numbered. The Alliance for Consumer Education will be choosing a random number a few times throughout the month of November to win a prize! The card will also have a “call to action” in which participants can use twitter and other forms of social media to answer questions and become more involved in the public health discussion.

We hope you will join us in Farragut Square next Wednesday at lunchtime. Not only will you learn a lot about how to stay healthy (especially during the winter season), but you will also get to meet Ace and possibly win a prize.

See you there!

ACE and SADD Partner on National Inhalant Curriculum

2012-09-27T10:33:00.001-07:00

New Guide Targeting Middle School Students & High School Peer Leaders Released

The Alliance for Consumer Education (ACE), in partnership with SADD (Students Against Destructive Decisions), has released an important new resource aimed at fighting inhalant abuse among our nation’s youth.

The ACE/SADD “Inhalant Abuse Prevention: Facilitators Guide and Lesson Plan” targets middle school students led by high school peer leaders and is designed to educate the students on the dangers of “huffing” or using common household and commercial products to get high.

“We are excited about partnering with SADD on this important initiative,” said Colleen Creighton, Executive Director, Alliance for Consumer Education. “Getting this valuable resource into use in SADD chapters in schools and communities across the country will be instrumental in helping to save lives.”

The program is designed as a series of activities in which students learn more about product abuse and how to avoid using inhalants. Students are encouraged to participate in practice exercises saying “no” to potential huffing interactions and gain knowledge on how to save others by reporting a potential incident. Not only does the program foster leadership within high school students, but it also leaves a long-lasting impact on their younger peers who seek positive and healthy advice.

"The power of positive peer pressure is the key to much of SADD chapters' power,” said Penny Wells, SADD President and Chief Executive Officer. “SADD high school members standing up and advocating for healthy lifestyles in front of middle school students has the potential for positive change in many ways, first encouraging good choices around abuse of inhalants, but beyond that, making good choices throughout their teen years."

The Inhalant Abuse Prevention Guidebook is divided into three parts: Facilitation Skills, Inhalant Prevention Discussion Guide, and Inhalant Prevention Activities. Each section builds on previous exercises to promote a comfortable and inclusive environment. After the completion of the program, both facilitators and students alike should have gained a wealth of knowledge on inhalant abuse, how to avoid it, and an overall feeling of empowerment to join the movement in prevention.

For more information on the program, or to request a Guidebook for use in your community, please visit our website at www.inhalant.org or to download the guide directly, click here.

Ace Clean Headed to the YMCA in Arlington for Superhero Week!

2012-08-29T13:13:00.000-07:00

This week was superhero week at the YMCA of Arlington. Lucky for Alliance for Consumer Education's mascot Ace Clean, this meant he would be able to entertain the campers with tips on staying healthy and germ-free. While at the YMCA, the corporate office got to meet Ace Clean and was very impressed with Alliance for Consumer Education's presentation to the campers. The kids got to play a trivia game, as well as splitting into paired groups to discover the top 5 places in classrooms which contain the most germs. Ace Clean had a great time and hopes the kids remember to wash their hands! Check out the pictures of Ace Clean here!

-Alliance for Consumer Education

NEW Inhalant site is up and running!

2012-08-01T06:22:00.004-07:00

Alliance for Consumer Education's new and improved inhalant website is now live and running! Don't forget to check out the "featured sections" as well!

-ACE

ACE's 16 Summer Safety Tips!

2012-07-30T12:35:00.000-07:00

In addition to Alliance for Consumer Education's newly launched program Heroes of the Health League, ACE has 16 Summer Safety Tips for you and your families. These include information on pet and fire safety, poison prevention, and proper use and disposal of household products.

Don't forget to use the tips as guidance when playing the Heroes of the Health League game.

Have a safe and fun-filled rest of the summer!

Shoutout to our 2012 Ace Outstanding Volunteers!

2012-06-14T09:09:00.000-07:00

Al Bronstein, Bill Frauenheim, and Robin Lapins are our 2012 Outstanding Volunteers! Our Ace All-Stars have been hard at work helping us develop new programs and acquire new sponsors while also contributing their creative ideas! A big thanks to Al, Bill, and Robin for all their hard work and dedication! Bios on our 3 All-Stars and additional ACE information can be retrieved from our 2011 Annual Report found at our website www.consumered.org.

ACE's 12 year anniversary!

2012-05-31T07:32:00.000-07:00

Hello All!

Alliance for Consumer Education is proud to make known it's 12th year anniversary! ACE has been dedicated to advancing community health and well-being for the last decade+. Only the best is yet to come for ACE as it takes upon new projects in the community regarding inhalant abuse awareness and prevention, disease and poison prevention, all while ensuring a safer and healthier environment. ACE will also be promoting it's new mascot KC the Wonder Dog who will be Ace Clean's sidekick while representing Heroes of the Health League in an effort to educate younger children through comics and activities in which KC will be the guide.

A few other highlights for Ace within the past few months is the launch of the new Facebook page for Ace Clean - the mascot as well as new additions made to the original Facebook page for Alliance for Consumer Education - ACE. Don't hesitate to browse around see what's new!

Finally, ACE is proud to provide it's fellow bloggers and support with links to it's awesome trivia game in which Ace Clean guides you through an educational challenge in relation to proper cleaning and hygiene practices. KC the Wonder Dog now has his very own comic where he talks also about household cleanliness and gives tips on maintaining safety in and around the home; providing children with mini-games in an effort to recruit them to become apart of the Heroes of The Health League!

Once again, thank you all for your time and keep a look-out for what's yet to come regarding ACE's new projects!!

2012-03-22T14:05:00.002-07:00

ACE and the Boys and Girls Club Celebrate NIPAW

Yesterday, the ACE team went to the Hopkins Branch Boys and Girls Club in D.C. to share tips about poison prevention.

The presentation provided facts about poison prevention and encouraged club members to always ask an adult before smelling, touching, or tasting an unknown substance. The club members were eager to show off their acquired knowledge about poison prevention by answering questions, and they enjoyed trying to distinguish “look-alikes” (poisons that look like safe items).

After the presentation, the club members tested their home safety skills with the Heroes of the Health League game (which you can play here). They also completed an activity sheet about poison prevention, which can be downloaded at this link.

Members showing that poisons can hurt you even if you smell them!

Working hard on the activity sheets

Enjoying the Heroes of the Health League game

ACE would like to thank Monique Lee at the Hopkins Branch Club for allowing us to share the message of poison prevention with the wonderful kids at the Boys and Girls Club.

ACE would also like to thank Krista Osterthaler at the National Capitol Poison Center for all of the wonderful resources and assistance she provided.

Remember, if you suspect someone has been poisoned, call the Poison Control Center at 1-800-222-1222!

Guest Blog Post: Christine from the Jim and Jude Foundation

2012-03-20T07:07:00.000-07:00

Sunday, November 8th, 2009 was a beautiful day filled with sunshine.

The two young men did not intend to hurt anyone. The driver passed out causing him to lose control of the vehicle, roll across the median and hit Jim and Jude head on.

The hospital medical staff determined the driver was on an impaired substance through his blood sample. Based on reasonable suspicion, blood was drawn from the driver of the pickup and later analyzed at the Bureau of Criminal Apprehension. Due to evidence found at the scene, Investigators talked to the scientists at the BCA and had the drivers blood sample tested for the specific chemicals found in inhalants. When the sample was analyzed, it came back positive for inhalant and negative for alcohol and drugs.

It's called "Huffing" - inhaling a propellant. The driver was high on computer duster. Empty cans of the inhalant were found at the accident site. The driver passed away the next day due to injuries from the accident.

(Note: Inhalants are extremely fast acting and eliminated from the body’s system. That means the driver huffed and then crashed within a very short time span.)

I pray for the driver, passenger and their families. We were all affected by tremendous loss. I can't imagine the pain the passenger has experienced. I hope he lives a full and productive life.

This is not about the details of the accident. I’m certainly not an authority on huffing or inhalant abuse, however I am strongly encouraging you to educate yourself on the signs and effects of this type of substance abuse. Armed with the knowledge of inhalants, a parent can better determine the signs and talk to your children on the dangers of inhalants. Many wonder why I share the story of loss and tragedy... If we can help a child or parent in this situation it affirms my belief that something good can come out of a tragic event. My beautiful child and wonderful husband's life was not taken in vain. This understanding helps me cope with the loss of Jim and Jude.

With the help of my friends - we have created the Jim and Jude Foundation. The 501c3 charity is in honor of my wonderful husband, Jim, and our beautiful four year old son, Jude. Please take a moment to view our website http://www.jimandjudefoundation.com/.

Here are a couple of websites that I have found helpful:

General information on inhalants - http://www.inhalant.org/

Check out the latest headlines from ACE’s Inhalant News blog - http://inhalant-info.blogspot.com/

Read about Community Awareness - Minnesota Teen Challenge - http://www.mntc.com

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