Our Program on August 1st was Rochelle Martin from Tonka Cares talking about Drugs and Teens and what our community is doing to help keep kids off drugs. She said, “Our mission is to reduce underage substance use in the Minnetonka School District community.” And added that
“Our vision is of a community where youth choose not to use, and are supported and valued for that choice.” Rochelle invited the Rotarians to pick the topics she would discuss and to ask questions at any time. She noted that Tonka Cares is a volunteer organization with six standing committees and not funded by the school district but receives its funding from two grants.
“Our vision is of a community where youth choose not to use, and are supported and valued for that choice.” Rochelle invited the Rotarians to pick the topics she would discuss and to ask questions at any time. She noted that Tonka Cares is a volunteer organization with six standing committees and not funded by the school district but receives its funding from two grants. She pointed out that Teens brains are underdeveloped and very susceptible to addiction. When surveyed the MHS students indicated that in the last 30 days back in 2016 7% had used prescription drugs, 15% marijuana, 24% Alcohol, 25% cigarettes, and 18% used e-cigarettes (which have no tobacco but are high in nicotine).
Rochelle covered many topics and some of the data she gave us was astonishing:
- Heavy use of Marijuana can drop IQ up to 8 points.
- Continuous use of Marijuana can cause concentration problems, stays in your system up to 28 days, can cause depression, and contains harmful chemicals.
- Marijuana in foods have a more potent effect when eaten.
- Dabbing is a concentrate of Marijuana and very dangerous and is a Schedule I drug (a felony) 40-80% more potent than other forms.
- Minnesota has decriminalized Marijuana in personal use.
When asked how Rotarians can help she suggested joining Tonka Cares as a volunteer, help support Parent Prevention Programs in the community and donate!
District Event: September 15, 2017 One Rotary Summit (formerly Fall Training) – Discussion group format Location: Earle Brown Center Designed for club presidents, officers and general membership, Assistant Governors and District leadership team.