About
HOW WE HELP YOUTH MAKE HEALTHY DECISIONS
WaylandCares is a community coalition dedicated to reducing youth substance use and abuse in Wayland. We believe it is the collective responsibility of the community to create a safe environment for our young people, and to support healthy youth decision-making. This intergenerational initiative promotes a comprehensive prevention approach through effective, evidence-based and age-appropriate strategies.
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ONLY 29% OF WAYLAND HIGHSCHOOL STUDENTS MADE THE CHOICE TO DRINK ALCOHOL IN THE LAST 30 DAYS
The majority of Wayland High School students make healthy decisions around alcohol and do not choose to drink on a regular basis. Be one of the Majority!
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ONLY 16% OF WAYLAND HIGH SCHOOL STUDENTS HAVE USED MARIJUANA IN THE LAST 30 DAYS, AND ONLY 25% HAVE USED MARIJUANA IN THEIR LIFETIME.
Marijuana usage is not the norm among the youth of Wayland. Wayland youth are making healthy, smart and informed decisions around not using marijuana and other substances. Be one of the Majority!
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90% OF WAYLAND HIGH SCHOOL STUDENTS REPORT HAVING A PARENT OR OTHER TRUSTED ADULT OUTSIDE OF SCHOOL TO TALK TO ABOUT THINGS THAT ARE IMPORTANT TO THEM.
Trusted adults are assets to our youth. It is shown that having a trusted adult to talk to directly encourages youth to make healthier decisions around substance use.
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35% OF WAYLAND TEENS REPORT THAT THEIR LIFE WAS VERY STRESSFUL IN THE PAST 30 DAYS.
Stress and anxiety play a part in all of our lives. We look to find new tools and strategies to help our youth reduce stress.
OUR TEAM
WaylandCares Staff
Jason Verhoosky
Jane Purser
WaylandCares in the Community
Ask us how you can get involved!
Latest news
Think Safe, Post Smart!
Whether you were a student, parent, or faculty member, Wayland was treated to an eye opening Internet Safety talk on Tuesday with National Internet Safety Expert, Katie Greer. WaylandCares was proud to bring this presenter to our community, reinforcing the mission of helping our youth make healthy decisions. Internet use is an instrumental part of[…]
We can stop bullying
Bullying is a growing problem in our country, and we’ve found some great information and resources that can help parents, educators and others who work with kids address it.
Focus on positive prevention strategies
As a parent or other caring adult, when we look to prevent or change particular behaviors in children, we sometimes do so by attempting to instill fear (scare tactics). When it comes to anti-substance use scare tactics, messages delivered may go something like this: See that mock crash? If you drink and drive, you will[…]
WHS students discuss youth substance abuse ‘In Their Own Words’
WaylandCares would like to thank the Wayland High School SADD chapter for their partnership and hard work to deliver the compelling and educational student presentation, “In Their Own Words.”
AMA firmly opposes marijuana legalization
The American Medical Association, the nation’s largest professional organization for physicians, on Nov. 19, 2013, rejected marijuana legalization despite heavy lobbying to remain neutral on the subject.
Talk early. Talk often. Talk together.
Talking with your child about alcohol and other drugs is an on-going conversation. You are likely to have a greater impact on your child’s decisions about underage drinking and drug use by having a number of discussions about this health issue throughout his or her adolescence.