Greetings all! May is National Youth Traffic Safety Month? The goal of this month is to engage and empower youth to develop and implement community projects to educate their peers, support increased enforcement, and advocate for stronger laws to protect teen drivers. 

Allison’s struggle with inhalant abuse came to light when her story aired on A&E’s “Intervention” series. Although controversial, the broadcast showed her at rock bottom. Since then she has quit abusing inhalants and has dedicated herself to helping others get treatment for their addictions. ACE would like to extend our heart-felt congratulations as May 7th marked another milestone in Allison’s life- her second year of sobriety!

On April 30, I had the pleasure of attending the No Phone Zone event at the Washington, D.C. Newseum.

So how did I get here? ACE is a member of an amazing coalition called the National Organizations for Youth Safety (NOYS). NOYS is a collaboration of national, youth-serving organizations, including non-profit organizations and government agencies, with the common goal of promoting safe and healthy behaviors among our nation's youth. NOYS, along with a number of government and advocacy organizations were involved with the event so that’s how I was able to attend.

It seems like Mondays arrive just as quickly as they disappear. Time flies when you’re having fun, and we’ve had fun planning our latest community initiative with the New Britain Rock Cats (AA Minor League affiliate of the Minnesota Twins).

On another wonderful April 22, we celebrate the 40th anniversary of Earth Day. Four decades ago the tone was set for much of the environmental consciousness and consumer safety we enjoy today.

Hi, I am Mikhail, the Alliance for Consumer Education spring intern and author of Mikhail’s Monday Blog. This and every Monday, I will offer my thoughts on how ACE's programs intertwine with facets of everyday life.

Spring brings new life and here in Washington, DC, it brings the celebratory blooming of the cherry blossoms. Like a conductor instructing a symphony, the buds beckon tourists to follow the tune millions of previous visitors played. As each bud pushes out majestic flowers one after another, we are reminded of nature’s irrepressible beauty.

Dr. Jennifer Caudle is an osteopathic family physician and director of the family medicine section of the Department of Internal Medicine at Sinai Hospital in Baltimore. She has appeared on ABC News, written healthy advice articles and led workshops nationally. Her message of wellness has reached over 50,000 people and she can be found at http://www.jennifercaudle.com/.

ACE: Why is National Inhalants and Poisons Awareness Week important?

Have a happy and safe St. Patrick's Day from ACE! Also, don't forget we're in the midst of National Inhalants and Poisons Awareness Week (NIPAW), March 14^th -20^th. Every year, this week represents an opportunity to educate people about the dangers of inhalant abuse while supporting those who have been affected. 

Today, marks the second day of National Inhalants and Prevention Awareness Week! This annual event presents organizations, school administrators and parents with a unique opportunity to educate communities about inhalants. Throughout the week, we will feature insight from a panel of experts who are increasing awareness around this silent habit. This year is particularly noteworthy as recent studies suggest a reversal in previously declining drug trends.

To launch National Inhalants and Poisons Awareness Week, the National Inhalant Prevention Coalition, with support from the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services’ Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA), held a press conference to focus on inhalant use and efforts by the medical profession to educate physicians. The widely-attended event brought together media, federal agencies, and those personally affected to bring attention this very important issue.