Free bowling highlights substance-free fun

 

[March 05, 2019] 

LINCOLN 

Sunday’s cold and snowy weather did not keep people away from Logan Lanes as almost 270 people participated in this year's Substance-free Bowling Party. The event began at 11 a.m. and lasted until 3 p.m.

ALMH Community Health Collaborative (CHC), Chestnut Health Systems, and Lincoln/Logan County Crimestoppers helped sponsor the event that brought in families throughout the afternoon to bowl a couple of free games and enjoy free food and a chance to win one of several door prizes.

Displays by the two agencies highlighted the importance of being aware of substance and alcohol abuse and the need for parents to talk to their children about avoiding drugs and alcohol.

The youth could also fill out a survey about their alcohol knowledge and/or use. The CHC uses the information from the survey to gather statistical data about youth behaviors and alcohol and substance use in Logan County.

Statistics from 2018 surveys indicate that 41 percent of high school seniors, 36 percent of sophomores and 18 percent of eighth graders have drank alcohol in the last month.

Just over half of seniors said that their parents would think it is very wrong for them to drink alcohol, while 23 percent said their parents would think it is a little bit wrong.

Other recent data from surveys shows that 25 percent of Logan County eighth graders report that it is easy, or sort of easy, to access prescription drugs not prescribed to them. Thirteen percent of eighth graders report using E-cigarettes in the last 30 days. Another 25 percent of tenth graders report getting tobacco or vaping products from a friend.

The statistics from surveys over the years have shown that just over half of the eighth, tenth, and twelfth graders in the county have discussed alcohol, tobacco, or marijuana use with their parents.

The numbers show how important it is for parents to discuss substance use and abuse with their children.

Kim Turner of the Lincoln/Logan County Crimestoppers said with the opiate crisis, we need to make sure people are safe and aware of the issues. Doing pro-social activities as a family can help.


Nadia Klekamp (left) with Angie Whiteman

Nadia Klekamp of Chestnut Health Systems said providing the bowling party is a great opportunity for families to have a fun day and get new resources. This day gives parents additional resources to have a conversation with children and it needs to be a continuous discussion, not one and done.

Klekamp said research shows that having a good influence in an adolescent’s life helps delay the start of substance use. Parents can model how to have good, clean fun.


Mike Robinson (left) and Jason Kuhlman

Jason Kuhlman and Mike Robinson of the Crimestoppers said we want to stop substance abuse before it starts, and more exposure of the problem can help prevent substance abuse. It is good to bring the community together.

The event provided family fun while also providing more awareness of the problem of substance abuse and the importance of parents talking to their children about avoiding substance use and abuse.

[Angela Reiners]