MASK (Mothers Awareness on School-age Kids) Launches Elementary School Drills

SCOTTSDALE, Ariz., Feb. 26 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- Fifth and Sixth grade students at Pinnacle Peak Elementary were educated on current drug trends and behaviors of teens on the morning of February 3rd.  During that presentation given by Pam Baumann, Vice-President of MASK, a 9-1-1 call was heard and the Scottsdale Fire Department entered the cafeteria where a downed student overdosed on prescription drugs.

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The dramatic enactment of a student overdosing on prescription drugs and drill was sponsored by MASK (Mothers Awareness on School-age Kids), and the Scottsdale Fire Department, partners in a mission to inform students and parents of the dangers associated illegal drugs and prescription drugs.

"We want them to feel the shock and awe of drug overdose," said Kimberly Cabral, MASK founder. "Our goal is to educate and impact children and parents before they are exposed to the dangers, this way giving the family a chance to open dialogue and implement prevention tactics."

Before the drill took place, Pam Baumann of MASK educated the students on tobacco, alcohol, inhalants, and marijuana. "When I'm doing a presentation to kids and talking about these issues that can negatively affect them, I am always so amazed at how engaged they are.  They actually pay attention and listening to their comments and questions makes me realize that they do get it," said Pam Baumann.

Steve Wagner, Phoenix Fire fighter and in flight paramedic from AirEvac, said, "I believe that today's kids know the difference between right and wrong. They are, however, faced with tremendous social pressures that can lead them to make bad, life-altering and fatal decisions. Those choices can tear apart and devastate families and loved ones. I have heard the screams of mourning mothers and have seen lifeless, empty expressions on the faces of grieving family members too many times. If the MASK message can save the life of one kid it is worth all of their effort."

Mike Lee, Principal from Pinnacle Peak Elementary, said, "Holding the MASK trauma drill at my school provided an important opportunity for students to learn about the risks associated with dangerous behaviors at an appropriate age. Also, the program focuses on refusal skills and strategies, and these are tools students will undoubtedly need.  Lastly, I am confident that the program sparked a great deal of conversation between family members and opened doors for additional dialogue and opportunities for parents to provide support for their children in the coming years."

MASK addresses a wide-range of other topics for parents and children including alcohol, internet and technology awareness and safety, depression, eating disorders and healthy peer to peer relationships. For additional information please visit www.azmask.org

SOURCE MASK (Mothers Awareness on School-age Kids)