Topic: The dangers of drug use

The Maine Drug Enforcement Agency is a bureau within the Department of Public Safety.MDEA is charged with enforcing the criminal laws of the State of Maine. Its mission is to aggressively work to reduce the flow of illicit drugs into and throughout the State of Maine. Agent, Matt Cyr, will discuss the dangers of the drug trade in Maine and its impact in our community.

Maine Correctional Center ­ Windham, Maine

Topic: Choices and consequences of substance use and abuse.

This unique program brings young prisoners who have made bad choices surrounding substance abuse. Their stories depict the myriad of choices that have to be made by students as they navigate through life. For example: Elise was a 14 year-old honor roll student. Her sophomore year, she was introduced to marijuana by two teammates on the basketball team. She was then introduced to the prescription drug "Aderall", a drug used in the treatment of attention deficit disorder (ADD). The abuse of this drug creates a 'speed-like' high for individuals without ADD. The drug enabled Elise to excel in school and on the court. But soon, the Aderall was not enough, and she needed more, and was introduced to more drugs by her boyfriend. This beautiful young lady concludes her story by sharing what life is like in prison.

Officer John Dalbec, SSRO

Topic: Alcohol, Teens, & the Law

Scenario based program-educating students about Alcohol, Teens, and the Law: illegal possession, furnishing, providing a place to consume, transportation, liability, and financial implications.

Topic: Sexual Violence

Programs focus on dating violence and sexual assault. Sexual assault is defined by utilizing interactive teaching exercises. Although most students recognize that the stereotypical attack by a stranger with a weapon is sexual assault, few are familiar with Maine consent laws. The purpose of this program is to identify and dispel myths about sexual violence, and to offer factual information in place of those myths. It is our hope that students who are armed with information will have a greater chance of not being victimized and not becoming offenders. We complete the program with a discussion of victim blaming, and encourage the students to broaden their views about sexual assault so that our society will be more sensitive to all survivors. http://www.sarsonline.org

Young Adult Abuse Prevention Program

Topic: Dating violence

The Young Adult Abuse Prevention Program (YAAPP) is a project of Family Crisis Services, the domestic violence agency for Cumberland & Sagadahoc counties. YAAPP offers educational, theatrical presentations to schools and community groups on dating violence. We believe dating violence is caused by sexism, which is a product of the power imbalances in our society. http://www.yaapp.org

"The Jake and Caroline Play" features our presenters acting out a relationship in which the boyfriend is emotionally, sexually, and physically abusive. After the performance, presenters provide education about the dynamics of dating violence and how to have healthy relationships. Students leave with information on warning signs, how to intervene, safety planning and local resources. 90-minute presentation.

Planned Parenthood of Northern New England

Topic: Reproductive health.

"We firmly believe that individuals deserve to obtain knowledge about their physical, emotional, and social development regarding sexuality, and that all individuals have the freedom to learn about these things in an atmosphere that is nonjudgmental and free of fear, shame, and exploitation. PPNNE accepts and respects teenagers recognizes that some are involved in sexual relationships while others choose to be abstinent." Program "grab bag' activity focuses on current contraceptive choices and STI prevention. http://www.ppnne.org

Greater Portland STI Clinic

Topic: Prevention and testing of Sexually Transmitted Infections (STI's)

The STI clinic provides community-based prevention activities that seek to increase awareness in the community and reduce the risk for and spread of hepatitis, HIV infection and other STDs.

The lack of self-efficacy and fear are barriers in the prevention of STI's. Young people, ages 15-25, represent the largest number of new and existing cases of Chlamydia and Gonorrhea in Maine. The presentation conveys information about risk factors, testing, and prevention while role-playing a patient information-gathering intake at the clinic.