Substance abuse is a complex issue that affects millions of people worldwide. In the past year, around 46.3 million people aged 12+ have been reported with substance abuse disorder (U.S. Department of Health & Human Services, 2023). In the juvenile justice system, 1.9-2.4 million minors have substance abuse disorder, but only 68,000 receive treatment (Child Crime Prevention & Safety Center). Alcohol and drug overdose can lead to serious health problems, strained relationships, and financial difficulties. However, with the right resources and support, recovery is possible.
The Herren Project is a nonprofit organization that focuses on providing “free resources and support for the treatment, recovery and prevention of substance use disorder”. The Herren project also teaches wellness and prevention acts to school communities to prevent drug and alcohol misuse. This in turn promotes wellness weeks and Herren Project clubs in schools. Wellness weeks and Herren Project clubs serve as a way to bring beneficial awareness to addiction and enabling people to overcome obstacles in life substance-free. Overall the Herren project represents “one step in the journey to recovery” (Herren Project, 2022).
At Godwin High School (GHS), we showcase the Herren Project values through support and student exposure. Currently, the Herren Project club at Godwin is getting ready for Wellness Week!
Wellness Week is an event that happens nationwide during the first full week of March. This year Wellness Week is March 6-March 11. The purpose of Wellness Week is to initiate activities in schools and local communities that aid in preventing substance misuse, give support to those affected by addiction, and promote general wellbeing.
So what have Godwin Highschool students been doing to get ready for Wellness Week?
Making sure purple is a closet staple 💜
The color for Wellness Week is purple all the way. Students are prepping to go all out with their purple day outfits on Thursday!
Creating posters with positive slogans (like “Be You Live Well”)
The Herren Project Club has been working HARD on these posters. The artistic talent on these are 10/10, but no sneak peaks till Wellness Week starts 👀.
Making purple bracelets for staff members
The Godwin Highschool Faculty are in for a treat this coming week as they’ll get a purple bracelet to show off their Herren Project pride!!!
Creating fun Bingo Cards
LET THE GAMES BEGIN!!! On Monday, Bingo cards will be handed out to students and teachers to encourage Herren Project values. There are a bunch of fun activities like “Create a Donation box” or “Take a Walk Outside”. Students must document their completion of these tasks with a photo. If a student finishes the entire card they have a chance to win SUPER cool prizes🤩!!
Track Your Steps Tuesday and Wellness Wednesday
Tuesday is were students will try to compete against each other to see who will get more steps👟 . They’ll post their step journey on Instagram using the hashtag #WWWH23. Wellness Wednesday is where students will learn more about what the Herren Project is and how they can help.
Overall, GHS is hyped for Wellness Week! You can show support too by wearing purple, getting your school or community to join in, or just by spreading awareness and knowledge about the Herren Project. Anyways, Wellness Week 2023 is going to be AMAZING and GHS is ready to make that happen.
This is GHS Herren project signing off.
Go Eagles !!!
 | A guest post by
|