A program at VIU is linking nursing students with local high schoolers to discuss alcohol and drug challenges, and strategies to ensure health outcomes. (Dreamstime)

By Alex Rawnsley

vital education

‘Provide decision making tools:’ VIU nursing students talking drugs & alcohol with local high schoolers

Dec 30, 2024 | 5:24 AM

NANAIMO — A constantly evolving program run out of Vancouver Island University is providing valuable, potentially life-saving, lessons to local high school students.

Before P.A.R.T.Y (Preventing Alcohol and Risk-related Trauma in Youth) is targeted toward grade eight students, between 12 and 14 years of age, and sees VIU nursing students teach health-based education about the affects of drugs and alcohol.

Sandy Alexander, VIU nursing professor, told NanaimoNewsNOW the program is part of the grade eight curriculum for students between Ladysmith and Ucluelet and is based off similar programs for older students.

“We really are aiming for health promotion, planting that seed. This program aims to provide drug education and life skills that really help to facilitate empowerment in youth to make healthy informed decisions and life choices.”

The program for grade eight’s is a precursor to education for grade 10 and 11 students.

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Topics discussed by VIU’s nursing students with high schoolers include illicit drugs, impacts of marajuana, misuse of prescription drugs.

Alexander said a lot of topics are brought forward as real life scenarios, while also addressing other challenges for youth such as peer pressure, trauma and substance abuse.

“They discuss, what is addiction, what does an overdose look like, and what to do, like calling 911. Putting the person in the recovery position, which can be life saving, and giving, it’s available, Narcan. They also do provide decision making tools on what to do if someone asks you to do drugs with them.”

One topic which has resulted in more and more time being devoted to it over recent years is vaping.

One in seven kids aged 15 to 19 reported vaping in the past month during a 2022 Statistics Canada study.

“Schools were coming to us and asking if we could address vaping, as rates have skyrocketed. Students provided a presentation on…what are the health-related risks with vaping and what’s even in vape. A lot of people think vaping ‘smoke’ is just water, but actually it does contain harmful chemicals.”

The program recently received a $2,500 grant from the Central Vancouver Island Crimestoppers, money which will go towards equipment upgrades for the presentations.

Alexander said delivering the program is as much a benefit to the high school students, as it is to those in university.

“They learn how to work with kids of that age, that population, and some of their health-related needs. How do you work and teach with these kids? It’s great learning for the nursing students, they get out there and learn about this information too which informs their nursing practice when they go into [their careers].”

Before P.A.R.T.Y. started locally in 2015 and was piloted at a Nanaimo-area school before being expanded across central Vancouver Island.

Central Vancouver Island Crimestoppers recently awarded Before P.A.R.T.Y. with $2,500, to continue their work in schools across the mid-Island. (submitted photo)

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