News & Updates

  • Is Your Teen Making Safe Choices behind the Wheel?

    03/14/2017

    Motor vehicle collisions are the leading cause of death for teen drivers. Teens need regular reminders about making safe decisions when they’re behind the wheel, especially about never driving if they are impaired. In 2014, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration reported there were 4,272 fatalities in U.S. caused by drivers ages 15- 20. In Washington State alone, teen drivers were

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  • When is Marijuana “Poison”?

    03/14/2017

    Washington Poison Center When most people think of the Washington Poison Center, they do not immediately think of alcohol and drug prevention but associate us with Mr. Yuk and childhood poison prevention. In fact, whenever we are part of a conversation people often ask, “So why are you here?” The reason is simple; over the 60 year history of the Washington Poison Center the types of substances

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  • New marijuana education campaign asks real-life questions

    03/14/2017

    Parents are the most powerful influence in their child’s life. That’s why a new ad campaign asks parents across Washington State to talk with their kids about the risks of marijuana use. The campaign uses banner ads on websites and Facebook to pose simple, real-life questions and scenarios that parents could face with their teenagers. Questions include: “Your teen asks why marijuana is legal

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  • Help your teen have a prom and graduation to remember

    03/14/2017

    Prom night. Graduation! You want these milestones to be fun and memorable for your teen. But you also worry about their safety at after-event parties, and for good reason. The most dangerous time of year for teens is from prom night to graduation, especially when it comes to drinking and driving. So let's keep our teens safe by being informed and prepared. While most teens will make healthy

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  • There's No Trick to Keeping Teens Away From Alcohol

    03/14/2017

    There’s no trick and there’s no treat when it comes to underage drinking on Halloween. The spookiest holiday of the year is also considered one of the biggest drinking holidays, so it’s no surprise that the alcohol industry wants to cash in on getting into the spirit. Unfortunately, the Center on Alcohol Marketing and Youth researchers have found that that there is a link between minors who

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  • High School Senior Shares Reasons to Celebrate Sober

    03/14/2017

    As prom and graduation season approaches, this is a time when students, and their parents, celebrate their accomplishments. The following was written by a graduating senior of Mercer Island High School. It reminds parents that, while their children are graduating and entering adulthood, they still need your encouragement and reminders about why it is so important to keep making healthy

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  • Help Teens Enjoy Holidays Safely

    03/14/2017

    The holiday season is a time of joy, giving thanks and celebrating with family and friends. Not a time to be marred by the memory and sadness of a loved one involved in a fatal traffic collision. The sad truth is that impaired driving is the leading cause of traffic deaths in Washington, and these deaths are preventable. The Washington Traffic Safety Commission reports that from

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  • With poisonings on the rise, parents reminded to lock up marjuana edibles

    03/14/2017

    The Washington Poison Center is warning parents about an increase in calls about kids accidentally eating marijuana-edibles. A variety of candy-style products exist in the medical marijuana market. Marijuana-edibles can be found in a variety of shapes, sizes, and types that often resemble traditional candies and sweets in their product name and/or appearance, such as brownies, candy bars,

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  • New Interactive Tool Helps Parents "Start the Talk"

    03/14/2017

    SAMHSA recently launched Start the Talk, an interactive, online simulation tool that helps parents and caregivers of children ages 9 to 15 practice tough conversations about alcohol. Start the Talk is the newest component of "Talk. They Hear You.", SAMHSA's national underage drinking prevention campaign, which launched last May. The Campaign equips parents and caregivers with the information,

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  • Alcohol Advertising: Does It Affect Kids?

    03/14/2017

    Washington State has new outdoor advertising rules to reduce the alcohol ads youth are exposed to in their communities. See the Get Involved page for ways to educate your community about the rules and laws to reduce underage drinking. Let's draw the line! Visit the Facebook and YouTube campaign pages. Here are some facts about alcohol marketing and youth: According to the Federal Trade

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