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MADD Expands Prevention Education Efforts

As the new school year approaches, students across the nation prepare to step back into classrooms. Recognizing the importance of generating awareness about substance abuse, Mothers Against Drunk Driving® (MADD) is taking significant strides in expanding its prevention education initiatives. This enhanced programming is not merely an addition to the academic calendar; it's a vital component in shaping healthier, substance-free lifestyles for young individuals.

MADD’s prevention approach is designed to engage students at every level of their development. It is well understood that early intervention is key in prevention strategies. MADD’s programs are tailored to meet the needs of students as they progress from elementary school through high school and into young adulthood. The organization encourages collaboration among students, parents, educators, and community stakeholders, facilitating discussions around pressing topics like underage drinking, cannabis use, impaired driving, medication misuse, and responsible decision-making.

Stacey D. Stewart, MADD's Chief Executive Officer, emphasized, "The back-to-school period goes beyond academic preparedness; it represents a crucial opportunity to foster skills that help students make sound decisions both in and out of school." With the intricate pressures facing teenagers today, MADD's programs are positioned to empower families and communities.

Key Programs for the 2026–2027 School Year

MADD's array of prevention programs for the upcoming academic year includes:

• - Power of Me!® – Tailored for elementary school students, focusing on foundational prevention education.
• - Power of You(th)® – Designed for middle and high school students, this initiative nurtures peer leadership while addressing critical issues.
• - Power of Parents® – This program equips parents and caregivers with the tools needed to foster ongoing conversations about alcohol and substance use.
• - MADD's Promposal® and MADD Spirit® – Seasonal programs targeting high school students to mitigate substance use during key events like Prom and Homecoming.

Statistics show that while the prevalence of underage drinking and substance misuse has declined significantly in recent years, the need for preventive measures persists. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reports that about 22% of high school students admitted to drinking alcohol within the last month, highlighting the need for robust education and support as crucial in making safe choices.

Empowering Families for Effective Prevention

MADD’s Power of Parents® program stands out as a nationally recognized resource, offering families evidence-based materials aimed at facilitating meaningful conversations about substance use long before issues arise. Alarmingly, while many teens regard their parents as the primary influence on their choices related to alcohol, a significant number of parents engage in discussions about the consequences of underage drinking infrequently, if at all. By providing accessible guides and resources, MADD encourages families to become proactive in their children’s safety and decision-making processes.

MADD is grateful for the support of sponsors such as General Motors, Nationwide, and the National Alcohol Beverage Control Association (NABCA), which have been pivotal in bolstering evidence-based prevention education resources. This collaborative effort ensures the delivery of impactful programs that empower youth and equip adults to discuss alcohol and substance use in a constructive manner.

The Critical Need for Preventive Measures

The stakes in substance prevention are high. Data from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration reveal that a staggering 30% of drivers aged 15 to 20 involved in fatal crashes tested positive for alcohol. Through partnerships with schools, families, and community organizations, MADD is committed to providing young people the right tools, information, and guidance to avert such tragedies before they occur.

Reflecting on the broader implications of these educational efforts, Stewart added, "Ensuring every young person has access to the knowledge and support required for making safe, healthy decisions is paramount. When families, schools, and communities unite, we can cultivate a culture where prevention is prioritized, and discussions about substance use occur regularly."

Organizations, schools, and parent groups are encouraged to reach out to local MADD offices to schedule free presentations and training sessions for the 2026–2027 school year.
To learn more about MADD's comprehensive prevention education offerings, visit madd.org/underage-substance-use.

About MADD

Mothers Against Drunk Driving® (MADD) has been at the forefront of addressing impaired driving since 1980, reducing drunk driving fatalities by more than 51%, saving countless lives, and assisting nearly a million victims of drunk driving. MADD continues to advocate for stronger laws and prevention programs to ensure safer roads for future generations.