Physicians and Lawyers Teach Kids to "Just Say No"

How does tobacco affect a growing body? Can the principal search my school locker? What’s the harm in having a drink? How do I say no to a friend who offers me drugs?

Physicians and lawyers teamed up April 4 to educate approximately 1,200 fifth-graders about the medical and legal consequences of drug and alcohol use through the Interprofessional Drug Education Alliance, or IDEA program. The program, which began in 1992, is a cooperative effort of the Harris County Medical Society and the Houston Bar Association.

Seventeen teams, each consisting of a physician and a lawyer, provided information to fifth-grade students in Houston-area schools. The teams used an interactive approach, encouraging dialogue about the realities of substance abuse.

"At some point in a child’s life, he or she will be faced with the decision of whether to take drugs and alcohol," said Dr. William H. Fleming III, Harris County Medical Society president. "Together, physicians and attorneys bring a unique perspective to children on how drugs and alcohol can damage their minds, bodies and futures."

Physicians informed the children on how alcohol, drugs and tobacco damage their minds and growing bodies, while lawyers discussed the perils that await youth who enter the criminal justice system. Some physician/attorney teams brought visual aids such as handcuffs, jail attire, photographs, and organs damaged by drugs to stimulate the discussion.

"Both the bar association and the medical society have long been involved in programs that serve the youth of Houston," said Roland Garcia, president of the Houston Bar Association. "For nearly a decade, the IDEA program has given our organizations the opportunity to work together and share knowledge on important issues that affect children."

The IDEA program has reached more than 15,000 students in many local school districts. The American Medical Association and the American Bar Association developed the concept and initially provided the materials for the program.

Participating schools were Hearn Elementary, Alexander Elementary, Barrick Elementary, Burnet Elementary, Corneluis Elementary, Pleasantville Elementary, Roberts Elementary, Sherman Elementary, A.G. Hillard Elementary, Royalwood Elementary, and Spring Branch Elementary.

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©2006 Texas Medical Center

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