Category Archives: Press Releases
New e-Learning Program Cuts Teen Drug Use by Up to 75%
WHITE PLAINS, NY – Results of a study just published in Frontiers in Digital Health, an international scientific journal, show that teen drug use can be cut dramatically using a newly developed e-learning program that is fun, engaging, and easily accessed with digital devices routinely used by today’s teens. Class sessions to practice the skills taught in the program were also included.
The e-learning program is a digital version of the Botvin Life Skills Training (LST) program and is designed to provide middle school students with the knowledge and skills needed to promote health, wellness, and resilience. LST has been extensively tested and proven effective through research published in over 30 scientific papers. The study recently published is the first to prove the effectiveness of the new e-learning adaptation of LST. It also provides evidence that a hybrid digital program is effective when self-paced e-learning modules and teacher-led class sessions are combined.
The current study included 1,447 students from 23 middle schools across the United States. Schools were randomly assigned to receive the e-learning program and class sessions or serve as a “treatment-as-usual” control group. Compared to controls, students who received the e-learning program and class sessions showed significantly less cigarette smoking, e-cigarette and vaping use, excess alcohol use, marijuana use, and prescription drug misuse. They also showed increased health knowledge and skills knowledge, increased decision-making skills, increased skills related to coping with anxiety and anger, more effective communication and social skills, and increased conflict resolution and assertiveness skills.
“These are very exciting findings,” said Dr. Gilbert J. Botvin, professor emeritus at Cornell University’s Weill Medical College and developer of the LST program. “As access to new technology becomes more available, it is important that we utilize that technology to meet the health needs of schools, families, and communities.”
The new hybrid digital version of LST was developed by National Health Promotion Associates (NHPA) and tested by a team of researchers led by Dr. Kenneth Griffin, a professor of global and community health at George Mason University, and Dr. Christopher Williams, director of research at NHPA and adjunct associate professor of psychology at Purchase College, State University of New York.
About Botvin LifeSkills Training
Botvin LifeSkills Training (LST) is a highly acclaimed, evidence-based drug abuse and violence prevention program that has been taught in more than 35 countries throughout the world. LST has been extensively tested and proven to reduce tobacco, alcohol, and illicit drug use by as much as 80%. Long-term follow-up studies show that it produces prevention effects that are durable and long-lasting. Visit www.lifeskillstraining.com for more information.
New Remote Learning Program to Prevent Drug Abuse
WHITE PLAINS, NY – In the midst of the COVID-19 pandemic, opioid misuse and addiction continue to devastate communities around the US. And as many schools shift to remote learning, researchers at National Health Promotion Associates (NHPA) are testing a new online program to prevent drug abuse in high schools students.
The study is funded by the National Institute on Drug Abuse and is designed to develop and test a digital version of the Botvin LifeSkills Training program to evaluate its effectiveness in preventing drug abuse and prescription drug misuse. The study will involve up to 40 high schools across the United States. The new e-learning program, called e-LST, is based on an award-winning prevention approach that has been extensively tested and proven effective when implemented in classrooms by teachers and health professionals. The new e-LST program provides teachers, parents, and students with an engaging and flexible prevention approach that can be used at home, in class, or in hybrid learning environments.
“We know that nearly 10% of high school seniors have reported misusing prescription drugs, so it’s vital we provide our youth with prevention programming that helps them avoid substance abuse, including prescription drug abuse, and that gives them the resiliency skills they need to deal with the challenges of being a teenager,” said Dr. Kenneth W. Griffin, a professor at George Mason University who is collaborating with NHPA researchers on the study. “With the Covid-19 pandemic upon us, it is clear that schools, teachers, and parents need flexible education options that include both in-class and remote learning programs. Equally important is that these programs are based on proven prevention approaches that can decrease drug abuse and other health risks that stem from common addressable causes.”
The e-LST program teaches students valuable life skills to help them avoid drug use and other health risks. The program goes beyond the traditional information that is offered in substance abuse prevention programs such as scare tactics, which are often ineffective. And its emphasis on coping skills and positive youth development is designed to promote mental health and provide students with the tools they need to develop resilience and deal with the anxiety and stress of life during a pandemic.
“NHPA is a leader in quality, effective evidence-based prevention education. While our core middle school program already has evidence demonstrating its effectiveness in reducing opioid and prescription drug misuse and abuse, the addition of a high school program will help to further address the drug epidemic facing our nation and the challenges associated with the current Covid-19 pandemic,” said Dr. Gilbert J. Botvin, professor emeritus at Cornell University’s Weill Medical College and developer of the LST program. “More than 35 years of rigorous scientific research has proven the effectiveness of LST to reduce drug abuse and other health risks, with the potential to save taxpayers a good deal of money.”
About National Health Promotion Associates
Established in 1985, National Health Promotion Associates (NHPA) is a health and wellness firm located in White Plains, New York. Dedicated to promoting behavioral health, NHPA focuses on developing and evaluating health and wellness programs, and providing training for educators and health professionals. Areas of particular interest include the prevention of substance abuse, violence, bullying, and sexual assault. For more information visit: www.lifeskillstraining.com.
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New Cyberbullying Game LST Galaxia named as EdTech “Cool Tool” for 2020
WHITE PLAINS, NY – With children spending time online more than ever and experts warning about a rise in cyberbullying during the COVID-19 pandemic, educators, parents, and policymakers are searching for solutions. One solution can be found in an award-winning educational game called LST Galaxia, recently selected as an EdTech “Cool Tool” award finalist for 2020. This brand new, interactive online game for computers, smart phones or tablets is designed to prevent bullying and cyberbullying among middle-schoolers.
In this fun and engaging online game, students review, apply, and practice bystander skills, coping skills, empathy for others, and appropriate usage of social media use (including texting). The game incorporates skills taught in Botvin LifeSkills Training, a highly effective, evidence-based prevention program taught in schools throughout the US and in 39 countries around the world. Galaxia is currently part of a national 30-site randomized controlled trial testing strategies for preventing bullying and cyberbullying.
In Galaxia, students choose an avatar to represent them in the game as they confront challenges and navigate their way across the campus of Galaxia Academy, a fantastical boarding school in a distant galaxy. Under Galaxia Academy’s benevolent headmaster, Professor Galo, students are able to explore their unique talents and endless imagination. But when Professor Galo suddenly disappears, his not-so-benevolent identical twin sister, Professor Muri, takes his place as headmaster and peculiar things begin to happen. As students deal with the various challenges of middle school (such as peer pressure, drug use, and bullying), they also need to work together to thwart Professor Muri’s nefarious plans.
The EdTech Awards recognize outstanding contributions that transform education through technology and enrich the lives of learners everywhere. This year’s finalists and winners were judged based on various criteria, including pedagogical workability, efficacy and results, support, clarity, value, and potential.
“Despite formidable challenges brought about by world events—including locked-down cities, standstill travel, and closed offices, businesses and schools—we endure,” said Victor Rivero, who as Editor-in-Chief of EdTech Digest, oversees the program. “To those moving students forward across K-12, higher education, and workforce learning—in these unprecedented times we hope this recognition brings you some much-deserved joy and light to help see you through. Thank you!”
Past EdTech winners include Claned, Soundtrap, Blackboard, Discovery Education, DreamBox Learning, Edmodo, Edthena, Flipgrid, Freshgrade, Promethean, Scholastic, Schoology, SMART Technologies and more.
About National Health Promotion Associates
Established in 1985, National Health Promotion Associates (NHPA) is a dynamic health and wellness firm located in White Plains, New York. Dedicated to promoting behavioral health, NHPA focuses on developing and evaluating health and wellness programs, and providing training for educators and health professionals. Areas of particular interest include the prevention of substance abuse, violence, bullying, and sexual assault. For more information visit: www.lifeskillstraining.com.
Dr. Gilbert J. Botvin Gives Keynote Address at Utah’s Safe and Healthy Schools Conference
WHITE PLAINS, NY – Dr. Gilbert J. Botvin, an internationally known expert in the field of prevention, delivered the keynote address at Utah’s Safe and Healthy Schools conference on November 12th in Sandy. Dr. Botvin is the developer of the highly acclaimed LifeSkills Training (LST) evidence-based substance abuse and violence prevention program that is currently taught in all middle schools in Utah. School district administration, resource officers, nurses, educators, mental health providers, and community prevention specialists gathered for the event, which focused on mental wellness, sexual violence prevention, and inclusive schools.
Dr. Botvin‘s keynote address, “Unleashing the Power of Prevention to Promote Safe and Healthy Schools,” described advances in prevention science over the past 35 years and the development of effective prevention approaches, with a focus on the LST approach. LST concentrates on providing children with the skills, knowledge, and attitudes to make healthy choices.
“Nearly 40 years of rigorous scientific study prove that evidence-based programs can prevent substance abuse and misuse, violence, and other risky behaviors,” said Dr. Botvin, Professor Emeritus at Cornell University’s Weill Medical College and president of National Health Promotion Associates. Dr. Botvin described LST and the theory supporting it, as well as evidence from more than 35 peer-reviewed publications documenting its effectiveness.
Participation in the LST program leads to the healthy development of self-esteem, emotional regulation, decision-making, communication, social skills, and ability to cope with stress. The program is proven to cut tobacco, alcohol, and illicit drug use and shown to produce prevention effects that can last 12 years or more. It can also prevent aggression and violence, delinquency, risky driving, and HIV/AIDS risk behaviors. In addition, independent researchers have demonstrated that LST can also shield adolescents from the misuse of opioid and other prescription drugs.
About Botvin LifeSkills Training
Botvin LifeSkills Training (LST) is an evidence-based substance abuse and violence prevention program. LST has been extensively tested and proven to reduce tobacco, alcohol, and illicit drug use by as much as 80%. Long-term follow-up studies show that it produces prevention effects that are durable and long-lasting. Visit www.lifeskillstraining.com for more information.
Contact:
Paulina Kalaj
Director, Communications & Media Relations
1-800-293-4969 ext. 214 | pkalaj@nhpamail.com
Students in Ireland Learn Healthy Decision-making through the Botvin LifeSkills Training Program
WHITE PLAINS, NY – A powerful school-based prevention program from the US is being implemented with children throughout Ireland. Since 2012, UK-based charity Barnardo’s have championed the Botvin LifeSkills Training (LST) program across the UK and Ireland. Recently, LST program developer Dr. Botvin visited a school in Ballyfermot that has implemented LST with children between the ages of 8 and 14 since 2017. Initial research on LST’s impact in Ballyfermot’s primary schools, published by Barnardo’s, finds children’s attitudes regarding the negative consequences of smoking, alcohol, and risk-taking improved by 73% after completing LST.
Botvin LifeSkills Training (LST) is an evidence-based program that prevents unhealthy behaviors in young people. LST is designed for whole-class in-school delivery, and concentrates on providing children with the skills, knowledge, and attitudes to make healthy choices. Participation in the LST program leads to the healthy development of self-esteem, emotional regulation, decision-making, communication, social skills, and ability to cope with stress.
LST sites in the UK include Belfast, London, Dublin, and Liverpool. Findings from studies across the UK show that LST is an effective early intervention program to prevent young people from engaging in risk-taking behaviors as well as supporting other healthy development. Year 1 findings from initial implementation illustrate that children improved their health knowledge by 86%, health attitudes by 70%, and life skills by 50%.
Teachers report the topics covered in LST—such as self-esteem, overcoming shyness, dealing with stress, and social skills—are not only relevant to the challenges facing their students but help to prepare them for the transition from primary to secondary school.
“LifeSkills is a brilliant resource to develop children’s understanding of vital life skills and support them when making important decisions. It is a great program and should be made compulsory in primary schools,” said one teacher.
“I was very impressed with the Barnardo’s leadership and the team of more than 30 facilitators who have been teaching LST in Ireland,” said Dr. Botvin. “However, the highlight of my trip was touring a school implementing LST in Southern Dublin where I talked to a 6th grade class about the challenges facing them in their everyday lives and watched as they demonstrated some of the skills they’ve learned in the program. It was a wonderful experience to meet these young people and hear directly from them how the program is changing their lives.”
The 6th grade students eagerly talked about how LST had helped improve their self-esteem, make decisions, and manage stress.
‘“I learned how to calm myself down if I am stressed. I know lots of strategies to remain calm,” said one student. Another added, “I learned how to be assertive when you don’t want to do something. I can be confident when I say no.”
The Barnardo’s UK LifeSkills team hopes to increase the reach of the program across the UK and Ireland over the next few years in both the primary and secondary school settings. Barnardo’s and Waltham Local Authority are working in partnership to reduce the levels of risk-taking behaviors in London. Children across 30 primary schools will receive the LST program with a goal of reaching 10,000 children.
About Botvin LifeSkills Training
Botvin LifeSkills Training (LST) is an evidence-based substance abuse and violence prevention program. LST has been extensively tested and proven to reduce tobacco, alcohol, and illicit drug use by as much as 80%. Long-term follow-up studies show that it produces prevention effects that are durable and long-lasting. Visit www.lifeskillstraining.com for more information.
Contact:
Paulina Kalaj
Director, Communications & Media Relations
1-800-293-4969 ext. 214 | pkalaj@nhpamail.com
Prevention Program Cuts Sexual Misconduct by Nearly 50%
WHITE PLAINS, NY – April is Sexual Assault Awareness and Prevention Month, an important public health issue affecting young adults across the United States, especially those in civilian colleges and service academies. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, one in three women and one in four men experience sexual violence involving physical contact during their lifetimes.
To address this issue, researchers at National Health Promotion Associates (NHPA) conducted one of the most rigorous studies testing a primary prevention approach to sexual assault and harassment at a US service academy. The study found that an adapted version of prevention program called LifeSkills Training (LST) can cut sexual acts without consent by nearly half.
Dr. Gilbert J. Botvin, developer of the LST program and president of NHPA, presented the new findings last month at a two-day conference held at the US Naval Academy in Annapolis, MD. The conference, called the National Discussion on Sexual Assault and Sexual Harassment at America’s Colleges, Universities and Service Academies was co-hosted by the secretaries of the Navy, Army, and Air Force, brought together leaders and subject matter experts to better understand and address the challenge of eliminating sexual assault and sexual harassment on college, university, and military service academy campuses across the nation.
“The adaptation of LST to the problem of sexual assault and harassment is a major leap forward in addressing this important problem in a more positive, holistic way,” said Dr. Botvin, Professor Emeritus at Cornell University’s Weill Medical College. “LST is an evidence-based prevention approach based on over 30 years of research proving it to be effective in reducing substance abuse, violence, and delinquency.”
As part of a panel presenting the results of prevention studies, Dr. Botvin shared the findings of a study testing an adapted version of LifeSkills Training called CHiPS (Cadet Health and Personal Skills) with incoming cadets at the US Air Force Academy. Results indicated that the new prevention program cut sexual acts without consent by nearly half (4.4% versus 7.4%), when comparing cadets who participated in the program with those who did not.
According to Dr. Botvin, “the extension of LST to the problem of sexual assault and harassment builds on progress we’ve made in the field of prevention science and represents an exciting advance concerning how we approach this important public health problem. Rather than lecturing cadets on what not to do, this innovative new approach emphasizes the mastery of important life skills in order to enhance resilience and promote healthy personal relationships.”
About National Health Promotion Associates
Established in 1985, National Health Promotion Associates (NHPA) is a dynamic health and wellness firm located in White Plains, New York. Dedicated to promoting behavioral health, NHPA focuses on developing, evaluating, and providing training to educators and health professionals on a range of health and wellness programs. An area of particular interest relates to the prevention of health risk behaviors among adolescents and young adults, including substance abuse, violence, bullying, and sexual violence.
Contact:
Paulina Kalaj
Director, Communications & Media Relations
1-800-293-4969 ext. 214 | pkalaj@nhpamail.com