Learn more about EPICC
EPICC is brought to the Connellsville communities through a state-wide initiative known as the Opioid Misuse Prevention Project. This is a comprehensive, multi-component project that is aimed at preventing substance misuse and promoting healthy development in young people and their families across Pennsylvania. This initiative was developed in partnership with the Pennsylvania Department of Drug & Alcohol Programs (DDAP), the Pennsylvania Commission on Crime and Delinquency (PCCD), and the Pennsylvania Department of Education (PDE). The nationwide opioid epidemic has hit Pennsylvania hard, forcing many communities to focus on harm reduction programs, substance abuse treatment, and relapse prevention.
Expected outcomes of EPICC in our Connellsville Community
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Reduced frequency of youth substance misuse.
Reduced frequency of prescription drug use and misuse.
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Families will be stronger, reducing likelihood of substance misuse.
Substance misuse will be discouraged by the overall community.
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SCHOOLS AND COMMUNITIES WILL FOCUS ON CREATING AN ENVIRONMENT OF BONDING.
The well-being of youth, family and community is a made a priority.
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Less individuals will be diagnosed with substance use disorders.
Our Program Partners
Our partners contribute their passion and efforts to support us in building healthier communities in the Connellsville Area School District.
Frequently Asked Questions about EPICC
Why prevention, shouldn’t we focus on intervention?
There is no one silver bullet or single strategy to prevent teen substance use. No single policy change will magically stop the misuse of prescription medications. No one curriculum or program can eliminate Rx drug abuse in your community. It takes many coordinated strategies to change specific behaviors. Primary prevention will provide youth with the tools and skills they need to protect themselves against substance abuse.
What is "Evidence Based"?
“Evidence-based” refers to scientifically tested programs such as SFP 10-14 and Botvin Lifeskills. They were tested in a research study and it showed that over time, youth who participated in the programs had better overall outcomes than those who did not.
I thought programs like this were for families that are struggling.
Actually, universal prevention programs are for everyone! It is similar to the concept of vaccinating your child. Since we do not know what youth will experience in life, by teaching ALL youth refusal techniques, as well as communication and coping skills, they are more likely to avoid initiating in any number of problem behaviors.
We just need to scare kids with real life situations about dangerous decisions!
Actually, adolescent brains are still developing. The parts of the brain responsible for self-control, planning, and understanding long-term consequences are under-developed. The parts responsible for risk-taking and reward-seeking mature sooner and more rapidly. Exposure to risk and risk scenarios may not be processed by youth in the manner intended, and may produce an interest in exploring the dangers presented.
Click here to read a case study on the costly and ineffective scare tactic programs most commonly used.
Aren’t these programs expensive?
Actually, investing in prevention can have a huge cost savings in communities.
The Washington State Institute for Public Policy reports that for every dollar invested in LST there is a potential savings to taxpayers and society of $13.49 for every $1 invested in the program*. That same report details that for every dollar invested in SFP 10-14 there is a potential savings to taxpayers and society of $5.36 for every $1 invested in the program*
For the most up-to-date cost savings benefits of these programs and many more, click here. You can also read LST and Strengthening Families Program 10-14 cost savings analysis details on these links.
Do you have to be enrolled in a Connellsville Area School District school to participate in any of EPICC’s programs?
No. Anyone who lives in or around the Connellsville area can participate. Students who attend a private or cyber school as well as students who are home schooled are all welcome to join our community programs..
How is your family program different from schoolwork? Why would my child want to do more of that in the evening?
With the EPICC project, our facilitators are teachers, church leaders, and community members who have a strong passion for helping our families. They have an enthusiasm for family skill-building programs and have a strong ability to have fun with program participants.
Can I participate in your program multiple times?
Yes! You can participate in Falcons for Families as many times as you would like. It does not matter if your family has graduated or not. Also, if you have a child that was not old enough to participate in the program in the past and is ten now, you can join Falcons for Families with that child and any other children between 10-14.
What about my child(ren) under the age of ten? What will I do with them during the Falcons for Families program?
We’ve got you covered! Your child(ren) under ten will receive childcare while you and your older child(ren) are participating in the program. All childcare providers are over 18 years old and have all necessary clearances. And childcare is provided FREE OF CHARGE!
