Take Action in Secondary Schools
SECTION VII:
Resources
Publisher: Ottawa Public Health
Availability: Free; English/Frenchhttp://www.ottawa.ca/city_hall/careers/health/success_stories/why_drive_high_en.html
Format: Awareness campaign (website includes background information, statistics, community partners, promotional materials, posters & online game)
Audience: Grades 7-12
Preparation Time:
- Preparation of promotional materials
- Review of statistics, background information & web-based tools
Approach: Youth-driven social marketing campaign
Application/relevance to curriculum: Health & Physical Education Curriculum (Health Living)
Comments:
“Why Drive High?” is a youth-driven, trend setting, social marketing campaign to increase awareness about the effects of driving high on marijuana. It is dispelling the myths about marijuana use and driving among youth.In 2005, Ottawa Public Health received funding from Health Canada to implement a program aimed at decreasing impaired driving as a result of marijuana use among youth aged 13 to 25. The “Why Drive High?” impaired driving message has been promoted locally, regionally and nationally through the sharing of knowledge and resources, including the popular interactive wireless display and web game.
Over 25 community partners have provided ongoing support for the initiative and helped to implement and evaluate the activities providing insight into youth and substance use prevention strategies. This collaboration of community partners resulted in strengthened relationships and positioning for future opportunities to work together to overcome barriers addressing marijuana impaired driving.
