Prevention/Community Education

A Seed of Prevention

Regularly, Westview writes a monthly article for our local newspapers "The Saluda Sentinel" and "The Newberry Observer." These articles are used to increase community awareness about new alcohol and drug trends that are affecting youth. Newberry Multi-Agency Council.

The Newberry Multi-Agency Council was established by Westview (then the Newberry County Commission on Alcohol and Drug Abuse) in July, 1991, to plan, develop, and coordinate the programmatic and resource development of the community on an ongoing basis and to help ensure that human services are planned and implemented to better serve the citizens of Newberry County. Similarly, the agency works with the Saluda Service Network to serve the citizens of Saluda County.

These organizations seek to engage in positive and collaborative problem-solving by:

  • Better planning, development, and coordination of programs

  • Eliminating duplication of effort

  • Identifying service gaps, opportunities, challenges, and needs

  • Bridging gaps between agencies and service recipients

Parenting Programs

Westview provides parenting programs throughout the community. These programs contain video, lecture, and family interaction components. The programs teach parents to identify risk factors associated with teenage drug abuse and to practice skills which will promote family bonding and thereby reduce negative risks. Specific programs include the Strengthening Families Program, the Positive Parenting Program, and the Nurturing Families Program..

Mental Health First Aid

This course teaches participants how to respond if they saw someone having a panic attack or if they were concerned that a friend or co-worker might be showing signs of alcoholism. Mental Health First Aid takes the fear and hesitation out of starting conversations about mental health and substance use problems by improving understanding and providing an action plan that teaches people to safely and responsibly identify and address a potential mental illness or substance use disorder. When more people are equipped with the tools they need to start a dialogue, more people can get the help they need. Mental Health First Aiders are a vital link between someone experiencing a mental health or substance use challenge and appropriate supports.

Public Speaking and Presentations

Westview's department of special programs provides public speaking lectures and presentations on a variety of the issues targeted by the agency. Contact the agency at (803) 276-5690 to arrange for a speaker to address your organization. Here a a few —

  • Behind the Smokescreen – current trends training – 1 hour

  • Dentrás de la Cortina de Humo – current trends training in Spanish – 1 hour

  • Substance Use and the College Student – Alcohol and Marijuana’s Effect on the Student Athlete – 1 hour

  • The Vape Dilemma – vape and edible presentation for elementary-high school students – 45 minutes

  • Palmetto Retailers Education Presentation (PREP) – merchant education – 3 hours

  • How to Stress Less During the Holidays – parent session – 30 minutes

Drug Stories

Westview implements a youth education program that targets Middle School youth. Westview recognizes this is the age when youth are experiencing identity confusion and are easily persuaded to participate in high risk behaviors that can cause them life-long problems. "Drug Stories" gives youth the tools needed to recognize the dangers of using alcohol and other drugs.

Merchant Education

Palmetto Retailers Education Program (PREP) is merchant education program approved by the S.C. Department of Revenue and S.C. Department of Alcohol and Other Drug Abuse Services. PREP is a short course that helps reduce underage access to alcohol and tobacco products in Newberry County. This curriculum provides managers and servers/sellers with the knowledge and skills to comply with state laws as they relate to alcohol and tobacco sales. The curriculum gives merchants the tools needed to establish alcohol and tobacco policies, in order to avoid the potential consequences of failing to comply with those policies.

Alcohol Education Program

The AEP program is a prevention education program designed for youth who are in violation of minor first-time alcohol and drug offenses. Westview uses the Prime for Life (PRI) curriculum. PRI is a risk reduction program. The first goal of the program is to help each participant in the program reduce risk for any type of alcohol or drug problem. The second goal focuses on self-assessment to help people understand and accept the need to make changes to protect the things most valuable in their lives.

South Carolina Tobacco Education Program (TEP)

The TEP program is offered as an alternative to students who face suspension for violation of a school tobacco-use policy or who break the South Carolina tobacco statute which states: It is unlawful for a minor under the age of 18 to purchase, possess, or attempt to purchase, tobacco products and /or to present false proof of age in order to purchase a tobacco product.

Alcohol and Tobacco Compliance Checks

Alcohol and tobacco compliance checks are environmental strategies proven to reduce youth access to alcohol and tobacco products.

For more information, contact Westview at (803) 276-5690. Administrative Services