Staff Shares: Danielle Roberts
- Kids Escaping Drugs
- 8 minutes ago
- 2 min read
KED & YOU
Why is digital marketing important for an organization like KED? With so many wonderful community organizations in WNY, it’s important for people to know exactly what KED does. We are unique in the free educational programming that we offer. Our team is highly adaptable to meet any audience’s needs and will do everything they can to get families the support they need.
What platform do you think is most important for reaching families right now — and why? Although social media platforms change rapidly and come and go, Facebook is our best way to reach parents.
What steps should someone take to make a difference in their community? Get Narcan trained! Narcan, AKA naloxone, is a safe and easy to use medication that reverses opioid overdose rapidly. Opioid overdoses are often fatal, and it often takes people who use substances a long time to decide that they want to get help. In simple terms, we need to help keep our community members alive long enough for them to see better days. You never know when you'll need it, get it for free here.
What’s one message you wish more people understood about youth substance use? Substance use prevention starts at a much younger age than most people think, with social emotional learning. The risk of substance uses decreases when kids can regulate their own emotions, develop healthy coping skills, use social skills to develop healthy relationships, say no to harmful choices, empathize with others, and problem-solve in stressful situations.
Why does harm reduction matter for WNY? Harm reduction is not enabling substance use, if people want to use, they are going to use. We cannot stop people from using so instead we should try to minimize the negative consequences of drug use. Harm reduction includes Narcan, safe places to use, and needle exchange programs. A more common example of Harm Reduction in another context is sunscreen. People should not be in the sun for a prolonged amount of time, but they are still going to, so doctors encourage sunscreen use.
ABOUT YOU
What’s one self-care habit that helps you recharge? Going on a walk outside
Are you more of a sticky note organizer or a digital calendar person? I don’t know what I would do without Google Calendar!
Favorite Book: Normal People by Sally Rooney
What are you reading? Beautiful Boy by David Sheff (Highly recommend to anyone wanting to learn more about substance use)
What are you listening to in the car? Hayley William’s newest album
Favorite Restaurant: Bistro Avera in Lewiston
One fun thing you might not know about me is: I had a hedgehog as a pet in high school!
What’s your coffee order? Decaf Strawberry Mocha from the Bean on Hertel
