According to the National Center for Drug Abuse Statistics (NCDAS), among Americans aged 12 years and older, 37.3 million were current illegal drug users (used within the last 30 days) as of 2020.
Studies also show that early drug abuse correlates with substance abuse problems later in life, and the most significant increases in destructive behavior appear to take place among older teens and young adults.
These shocking statistics are just one of the reasons that Katie Ward, the Chemical Health Specialist at Prior Lake High School and Bridges Learning Center, makes herself available to help students with drug and alcohol issues, support, and coping strategies.
According to Ms. Ward, “ I am a support staff available for students. If students violate the chemical policies (suspensions) they will likely be encouraged to meet with me. This isn’t a punishment, but an opportunity to see if there are ways I can support them. A majority of my sessions with students are helping those who reach out on their own for support. This is either support in addressing their own substance abuse, peers, or family members. I think the important thing to know is sessions with me are confidential. What a student shares with me stays between the student and me. My goal is to provide the student with strategies to reduce the stressors in their life so they don’t need to rely on substances as a coping mechanism.”
Ward sees the most common substance used in Prior Lake is vaping, either nicotine or THC, and alcohol use.
Students are encouraged to utilize resources such as meeting with Ward, yet some are hesitant because of the misconception that she will tell them what to do.
According to Ward, a typical session is a chat where she is careful to make the student comfortable. “I always allow the students to lead the sessions and they decide what they share.”
“My initial contact with students is done through Schoology to schedule a session. Once the student is in my office, we discuss what it is they are struggling with. Then we discuss triggers and strategies. The next step is to come up with a plan of action. This includes planning for further sessions with me. Sometimes this is weekly check-ins, and sometimes it is just email messages. Again, I may make suggestions, but the student is the one to dictate how we move forward.”
Ward refers to herself as a gardener, meaning her job is to put “seeds” on the floor for students to grab. The “seeds” she places include strategies to cope with stressors, motivation, belief (in the student), hope, and most of all, empowerment. She emphasizes that students can take their own actions and time to grow.
Ward is also an absolute sports fan! She has played hockey since she first stepped on the ice at three years old, and she currently coaches our JV Girls Hockey team. She is also a huge football fanatic! Away from work and coaching, she enjoys traveling to new places and, by the end of next year, she will have visited all 50 states!
As a final thought, Ms. Ward adds, “I want you to feel safe to come and see me. My office is right by the nurse’s office, so please stop in and introduce yourself!”
