Cape Henlopen School District & Beebe Healthcare Partner to Bring Educational Series to Students, Staff & Families

The Cape Henlopen School District is excited to announce a recent partnership with Beebe Healthcare to bring a substance use and prevention educational series to students, families and staff. The program will be led by the expert team from Soundcheck Prevention Network and is funded by a grant from the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMSHA).

The educational series will take place February 11 – 14, 2025. Students will have the opportunity to participate in small group sessions during their physical education, health classes and drivers’ education class. Discussions will focus on commonly used substances, short and long-term effects on brain function and health, and teen brain development and vulnerability to addiction (how addictive substances impact development, motivation and learning).

A parent/caregiver session will be held in the high school theatre at 6:30PM the evening of February 12, and will focus on critical prevention facts and empowering parents to support their child’s healthy development and decision making. This session is open to all families in our area and is free to attend. The discussion will explore why kids choose to use – or not use – substances, teach families to spot signs of substance misuse, and offer practical strategies for having ongoing, impactful conversations with their child about substance use and healthy choices. Content will be tailored to the unique attributes of the Cape community and the opportunities and challenges young people experience today.

Similarly, staff will receive professional development at the yearly District Wide C3 conference taking place on Friday, February 14. A workshop for secondary physical education and health teachers will focus on supporting them in their vital role of providing guidance to students, to facilitate prevention discussions, and to discuss any new trends in drugs and substance use. There will also be workshops available to all staff and will focus on current trends, factors influencing use, prevention and warning signs.

 “I’m beyond thrilled to launch this partnership with Beebe Healthcare, and to bring a valuable resource like Soundcheck to our school family,” said Kristin DeGregory, Principal at Cape Henlopen High School. “This program will not only provide information for staff and parents/caregivers but will also act as an enhancement to our current health curriculum for students.

“We recognize that substance use can be a difficult topic to address, but we’re confident that Soundcheck’s approach will leave everyone feeling informed, confident, and prepared to engage in supportive conversations,” said DeGregory.

“Beebe is extremely pleased to be able to partner with Cape on this initiative.  In healthcare, we tend to see the results of substance use when it’s become a real problem in someone’s life and has either manifested in physical or psychological symptoms.  It’s important to understand how substance use can impact a young person’s development and be able to have informed, honest conversations around the choices we make,” said Bill Chasanov, DO, Chief Health Systems Design Officer, Beebe Healthcare

Additional information about the program can be found at https://www.soundcheckprevention.org/.