SANFORD — Partners for Healthier Communities at Sanford Medical Center (formerly Goodall Hospital) recently announced a Student Intervention and Reintegration Program will be held monthly in the Sanford area.

This 12-hour interactive class is available for teenagers who have begun to make unhealthy choices about substance abuse with: alcohol, tobacco, and/or other drugs, said Prevention Coordinator Connie Roux. She said the evidence-based program provides students with accurate information about the risks of use, and helps them weigh ”“ for themselves ”“ the advantages and disadvantages of continuing to use.

Most importantly, she said, it helps students plan for and commit to changes in their behavior. The program is offered to small groups of 4-10 people. Parents of participating students are provided with information about the program, and how they can support the program’s goals for their teen, at the beginning of the program on the first afternoon.

The program accepts students who are:

Ӣ caught and sanctioned for violating school substance abuse policy

”¢ identified and referred by school staff; parents who have concern about their teen’s attitudes and/or current choices about use; or health care or social service providers who are concerned about choices a teen is making concerning substance use

Ӣ students who are concerned themselves about the choices they are making about substance use

Anyone interested in learning more or making a referral should contact Roux at 608-8368.