Social Media Seminar Held in Ivyland

In a collaborative effort, representatives from local organizations gathered Monday to discuss the utilization of social media and its potential impact on drug prevention.

Melanie Swanson of The Council of Southeast Pennsylvania helped organize the day-long seminar at the in Ivyland to discuss how using networks such as Facebook and Twitter could help deter drug use by youth and adults. The event was free and approximately 50 people attended, including community leaders from Upper Bucks Healthy Community/Healthy Youth, C.B. Drug Free Project and Building a Better Bensalem Together.

Swanson said because they are targeting youth, they have to go where the youth are. “We have to cater to what our audience is using and reading,” she added.

With many funding cuts, Swanson said it's important to get out into the community, using the resources they have available. The seminar's panel of guest speakers had a clear message, “the prevention of drugs, wellness, raising healthy youth and decreasing the impact of negative influences,” Swanson stated.

Part of drug prevention also includes citing the impact of addiction and providing resources for recovery.

Of vital importance in deterring drug use is having kids recognize their full potential said Swanson.

Some organizations attending Monday's seminar included A Woman's Place, Voice and Vision, Delaware Valley College, ProAct, United Way and a presentation by Laura Powers, vice president of marketing at Furia Rubel Communications, Inc.

One of the projects believed to positively impact the access youth have to prescriptions drugs is the 'drug take-back' program in conjunction with Bucks Promise for Youth and Communities.

Raising awareness is important, said Swanson. “It's not just about reducing the risk at home in the medicine cabinet but talking to kids about drugs and alcohol.”

Swanson said the seminar was very successful and had positive reviews from those attending.

“It was a really great opportunity for people in the field to come together even though we might have different specific goals, within our organization as a whole we have the same general goal and mission," she said.

Founded in 1975, The Council is a private nonprofit prevention, education, advocacy, and intervention organization. They provide a wide range of services to families, schools, businesses, individuals, and the community.