ABOUT THE DRUG PROGRAM

The Arkansas Sheriffs’ Association Staff runs programs throughout the school year to teach drug prevention to the youth of Arkansas. There is a program designed for K-3, 4-6th, 7-8th and 9th-12th. If your school or organization is interested in having us do a presentation in your area, please contact the Association. With the help of your Sheriff, the ASA strives to reach out and help the youth in our great state make the right choice to JUST SAY NO!

MISSION STATEMENT: The mission of the drug program is to provide children, K-12, with the information they need to live the best drug free life as possible. We aim to provide skills that lead to better decision making and a healthier life.

Preschool-3rd Grade

Gain an understanding of things can harm you if you eat or touch it.
Learn who to Call when you are hurt or in trouble.
Understanding the 3 ABC’s to living a happy healthy life.

4th Grade – 6th Grade

Learn various drugs and their categories (prescription, legal, illegal). Learn the harmful effects of drugs. Along with long-term or short-term consequences. Other ways to feel “Happy”

7th Grade- 8th Grade

Ability to understand addiction and the possible different outcomes. Understanding of the harmful effects of vaping. Discussion about alternatives and how to obtain long-term alternatives. Build confidence needed to overcome peer pressure.

9th Grade – 12th Grade

Understand the legal and physical consequences of abusing drugs.
Laws regarding minor in possession and DUI.
Learning the harmful effects of vaping.
Build confidence needed to overcome peer pressure.

The Arkansas Sheriffs’ Association seeks to educate children, k-12, across the state of Arkansas about the negative effects and possible life changing impact that results from drug use and drug abuse. The ASA strives to help build the confidence within children in our local communities, giving them the tools to say “No” when approached with decisions coming to the use of drugs, alcohol and vaping. We teach this through informational presentations, audience participation scenarios, confessional videos, and local statistics all while having fun and making memories. The ASA strives to include the local Sheriffs, deputies and SRO’s when available in hopes to building a positive relationship within the communities.

Its Smart Not to Start !

It’s Smart Not to Start is a program utilized by the Arkansas Sheriffs’ Association to teach children about the dangers of vaping, tobacco, alcohol, and other drugs of abuse. Junior Deputy Dog (mascot), and the Its Smart Not to Start lecturers travel throughout Arkansas presenting programs to Kindergarten through Twelfth grade students. The ASA Drug Program reaches over 10,000 children each year. This information focuses on educating these students about the effects and consequences of drug use.

If you would like for The Arkansas Sheriffs’ Association Drug Program to come to your school, please contact The Arkansas Sheriffs’ Association 501-244-0400 or email AnnaBeth, ASA Drug Coordinator at annabeth@arsheriffs.org

Meet the Drug Program Coordinator

Welcome our new Drug Program Coordinator, AnnaBeth Townsend. She was born and raised in Conway, AR and from a large family of 6 with strong Christian beliefs and values. AnnaBeth graduated from Conway High School in 2017 and attended Central Baptist College with the hopes of getting a degree in education. It was in college when she realized that was not the path God had planned for her. She began working for 7Brew where she learned more about her community and increased her love for people. Any free time AnnaBeth has, it’s spent with God, family, friends and furbaby Sadie Grace.

Drug Program Coordinator

Or request your date on the link bellow.

Resources

text/call: 1-800-QUIT-NOW

text: “DITCHJUUL” to 88709

http://zinniahealth.com

http://nyp.youthmentalhealth.org

https://teen.smokefree.gov/

http://truthinitiative.org

https://notforme.org

https://tobacco-free_school_district_policy.org

http://vaping_prevention_education.gov

http://sober.com

http://help_youth_reject/quit_resources.cdc.gov

https://www.rehab.com/arkansas/little-rock

https://www.addictions.com/rehabs/arkansas/little-rock/

In 2025, the FDA reported 1.44 million youth currently using e-cigarettes. Vaping has become a serious concern for youth, it’s important we understand the scope of the problem, why youth are using these products, and what we can do collectively to prevent and address it. The goal is not to shame or punish, but to educate them and give them the tools they need to make healthier decisions.