In 1981, Students Against Drunk Driving was formed as a means to help educate teens on the dangers of drinking and driving. Since then, SADD now Student Against Destructive Decisions, overall goal has expanded to include the education and prevention of substance misuse. Through student feedback, we have found that positive peer pressure, role modeling and environmental strategies can prevent not only substance misuse, but other destructive decisions teens are faced with daily and set a healthier, safer course for their lives. As a result, SADD has become a peer-to-peer education and prevention organization dedicated to preventing destructive decisions, some of which include underage drinking, substance use/misuse, teen violence, impaired driving, working to reduce teen suicide, among others.

The Vision of SADD for Anne Arundel County

At the heart of SADD sits the idea that our youth, empowered to help each other, are the most effective force in prevention. It is our goal to ensure that they are equipped with the knowledge, tools, guidance, and resources to ensure that they are empowered and confident in their abilities to make a difference and change the world for the better.

Mission

SADD’s mission is to empower young people to successfully confront the risks and pressures that challenge them in their daily lives. We accomplish this by creating, equipping, and sustaining a network of student-led chapters in schools and communities focused on peer-to-peer education. SADD fosters a sense of belonging and promotes resiliency, leadership and advocacy skills so that young people make positive life decisions.

One of the main ways in which we work towards completing our mission is the SADD Mini Grant and the annual Youth Leadership conference.

The SADD mini grant, also known as the peer to peer education project, is an evidence-based strategy designed in which youth trainers train their peers on substance misuse prevention related to topics such as mental health, teen dating violence, grief, Adverse Childhood Experiences, among others.

Students will receive formal training on the signs and symptoms of substance misuse and mental health crisis. Students are then required to showcase their learning to their peers in a relevant and creative format (i.e. PowerPoint, video presentation, commercial, etc.).

The Youth Leadership Conference is hosted once a year, in partnership with Northeast High School to host the SADD youth leadership conference. This conference is an amazing Opportunity for the youth of Anne Arundel County to come together, listen to amazing speakers that educate them on the dangers of destructive decisions, as well as equip them with the tools, resources, and empowerment they will need to be a force of change in their communities.

SADD Chapters throughout the county are revitalizing, growing, and flourishing. SADD chapters are established both in schools and youth serving organizations (be it churches or community centers) and through the County Coordinator, are working on projects that help to benefit their respective community, Be it a podcast, commercials for their schools, or even high schoolers mentoring middle schoolers.

For information on how to contact a SADD chapter in your school, or to start a SADD chapter in Anne Arundel County, contact:

Justin Noel
SADD Coordinator
Department of Health
System Training, Education and Prevention Services
hdnoel02@aacounty.org
410-222-1843

For more information regarding SADD, please visit: https://www.sadd.org/