Some parents don’t think peer pressure exists and some simply don’t want to believe it could happen to their child. notMYkid, a national nonprofit organization dedicated to inspiring positive life choices through prevention and early intervention programs, says it’s inevitable.
“With each new school year, kids are faced with many challenges, but nothing more serious than the peer pressure that exists to use drugs,” says Aimee Runyon, CEO of notMYkid. “Often times, a simple “no” isn’t enough to deflect peer pressure. We’re encouraging parents to pick up a free drug test kit at our offices or one of our community partner locations and give your child an easy out. Make it easy for them to say no and put the blame on you as the parent.”
notMYkid’s National Back to School Substance Abuse Prevention Campaign is now underway where schools have already resumed in the Phoenix metropolitan area and across the nation as more schools kick off the new year. Kickoff events are taking place at Valley high schools and in partnership with local substance abuse coalitions. notMYkid will also host a Back to School Day on Sept 7 from 9am to 2pm at notMYkid’s office at 5230 E. Shea Blvd, Site 100 for interested parents, grandparents or care-takers who want to take advantage of free drug testing kits and brief demonstrations to learn more about the latest trends and tips for early detection.
“Most parents are unaware that the average age for first-time alcohol, tobacco and drug experimentation is 13,” said notMYkid CEO Aimee Runyon. “When a child starts using drugs, it is typically two years before parents realize there is a problem. We’re a safe, anonymous place for concerned parents to come gather resources, information and ask questions.”
The campaign will span 12 cities representing Connecticut, Georgia, Florida, Texas, Idaho Arizona and California, giving away more than 3,000 free home drug test kits for the next 3 months. Long time partner, First Check Diagnostics, the leader in home diagnostic testing, has generously donated all of the kits for this year’s campaign. Each kit is valued at $40 and comes with substance abuse prevention strategies and a family drug prevention plan.
“First Check Diagnostics has been a proud national sponsor of notMYkid for 13 years,” said Stacy Morano, marketing manager of First Check. “So many parents think their kids will never try drugs, but statistics show otherwise. Our home test kits are a proven deterrent and easy way for parents to start the conversation with their kids. We hope the Back to School campaign discourages kids from trying illegal drugs.”
When parents choose to drug test their kids it accomplishes several important goals:
1) Opens a dialogue between parents and kids to discuss the risks of drug use
2) Helps kids avoid peer pressure situations by empowering them to say ‘No, I can’t, my parents drug test me”
3) Alerts the parent if a child has recently used drugs so they can decide how to respond
For the latest list of cities, partners and local events visit www.notMYkid.org/backtoschool.
To attend a local event or schedule a media interview, please contact Lindsay Hansen, PR consultant at 480.205.6195 or via email at Lindsay@ldhconsulting.net.
About First Check
First Check Diagnostics, LLC, based in Waltham, MA, is committed to being the leader in high-quality home diagnostic test kits assisting people to live safer, healthier lives. We strive to provide you with new and innovative products to give you the answers you need in the privacy of your own home. We offer a full portfolio of drug testing products ranging from a marijuana home drug test to test for prescription drug use. For more information please visit www.firstcheckfamily.com.
About notMYkid
Founded in 2000 by a Valley family to share their family’s experience with teen addiction, notMYkid is a Scottsdale-based non-profit dedicated to inspiring positive life choices by educating individuals and communities about the consequences of destructive youth behaviors such as substance abuse, body image, unhealthy relationships, bullying, depression, and internet safety. In an effort to promote prevention messages, notMYkid increases awareness of the challenges kids face, provides information and offers resources to support the success of students, families, and educators. For more information visit www.notMYkid.org.