TAPS wins award for prevention efforts

The substance abuse prevention organization Think Again Parents (TAPS) recently won an award for its media campaign to prevent drug and alcohol abuse among the youth of Sisters.

The 2005 Skip Prante Prevention Recognition Award was given by the Deschutes County Mental Health Advisory Board. The award is named in honor of a La Pine man who, before his death, was an active member of the County Alcohol and Drug Planning Committee and envisioned the idea of an annual ward.

“Sisters ought to be really proud of what they’ve done,” said Anne Carlson of Deschutes County.

TAPS began in 2002 to increase parent awareness and try to reduce substance abuse among teens. The message has been delivered in print, television and radio.

The campaign has included facts to increase the understanding of how abuse spreads. For example, Carlson said some parents may be relieved to know their teen “just” had a beer at a party rather than a stronger drug. However, she points out that can be the beginning of a real problem.

“Alcohol is the most widely abused drug for kids,” said Carson. She says the Sisters team is “awesome” for working to change the norm of acceptable behavior.

The award was accepted at a Deschutes County Board of Commissioners meeting.