Selma Hope Dealers to speak during webinar on substance abuse prevention

Selma Hope Dealers Jerria Martin and Sydney Pritchett will speak during the Youth Leadership in Substance Use Prevention webinar on Wednesday, Aug. 14 at 3 p.m. to 4 p.m.

The webinar is being presented by the U.S. Department of Education, Office of Elementary and Secondary Education’s Office of Safe and Supportive Schools and the Office of National Drug Control Policy, the National Center on Safe Supportive Learning Environments (NCSSLE).

"Adolescents and young adults are vulnerable to being exposed to drug use, often in school environments," said a press release from NCSSLE. "Impacted by developmental changes and external pressure, youth are at risk of experiencing the myriad health issues accompanying substance use."

"Fortunately, young people have the unique potential to lead transformative change in their schools and communities. Given the first-hand experiences youth have, they are uniquely capable of bringing awareness to substance use issues and creating school-based prevention interventions. Engaging youth in these efforts is not as challenging as some may believe and can help foster safer, healthier, and more connected school environments."

Speakers and panelists will be the following: 

Moderator: Vinayak Menon, Summer Intern, Office of National Drug Control Policy, Suwanee, GA

• Alencya Dotch, Freshman, Ohio Youth Led Prevention Network, OH

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• Jerria Martin, Executive Director, Drug Free Communities of Dallas County, Trainer,

National Coalition Institute, AL

• Ana C. Borbolla Menare, Junior, Head of Community Outreach, Youth Leadership

Council, Community in Crisis, NJ

• Sydney Pritchett, Senior, Jr. Hope Dealer, Drug Free Communities of Dallas County, AL

State and district leaders, school administrators, educators, student support personnel, parents, and other education stakeholders are encouraged to register.

Registration can be done here.