There, on top of the lockers in B hallway—it’s a red rubber duck! And another, nestled next to the windows on the bridge! Some students had seen the poster about the red ducks and were keeping their eyes open for the little toys. Others stumbled on them by surprise.
The red ducks are one of the inventive ways that Samantha Wagner, John Jay’s Student Assistance Counselor, opens a conversation with students on substance use.
Taped to the bottom of each duck was a note to redeem the duck for a prize in E116, Wagner’s office, and a substance use fact, such as:
Vapes contain as much nicotine as a pack of cigarettes.
A deadly dose of fentanyl is smaller than a grain of rice.
Genetics, including the impact of one’s environment on gene expression, account for about 40% to 60% of a person’s risk of addiction.
The week before, during Red Ribbon Week, Wagner and students on John Jay’s Prevention Awareness Council (PAC) hosted a game table outside of the school’s cafeteria.
Spinning the trivia wheel was irresistible. Whether it stopped at a factual question—name two reasons vaping is harmful for adolescents—or school specific prompt—what person can you go to for support—or even FREE PRIZE, it provided Wagner and PAC members another opportunity to strike up a conversation about staying drug free.
The PAC table also includes a movie-themed gift basket raffle. To enter, students sign a ticket and pledge to stay drug free for the week. Over 200 students had signed the pledge by the end of the week.
“By signing the pledge, students are either maintaining their abstinence from drugs and alcohol, while others have the opportunity to see the benefits of reducing their use," said Wagner.
“PAC is a good cause,” agreed Emma and Kelly, two of the council’s members. “It definitely increases awareness.”