COVINGTON, Ga. – Newton and Eastside High School students have been busy for months planning Kick the Habit! Day events to be held in March. 

What began as an effort to promote Kick Butts Day (a tobacco cessation initiative of GNR Health Department) has become a prevention-focused opportunity for students to educate their peers about how to stay healthy, safe and sober.  Community agency representatives provide information about the dangers and consequences of substance use, the issues of mental health and suicide prevention, and the importance of building healthy relationships.  Students design the event theme and educational activities and volunteer as ambassadors to connect their peers to the information available at each agency table.  

This year will be the fourth annual event for Newton High School and will be the first for Eastside.

Kick the Habit! Day is supported by the Newton County Drug Free Coalition; member organizations collaborate to reduce substance abuse and its related effects in Newton County.  Agencies hosting tables at this year’s events include Gwinnett Newton Rockdale Public Health, Rockdale Drug-Free Coalition, Project AWARE/Sources of Strength, Newton-Rockdale Suicide Prevention Coalition, View Point Health, GLS Zero Suicide, STRIVE Clubhouse, and Project ReNeWal. 

For more information about Kick the Habit! Day or the Newton County Drug Free Coalition, contact Mollie Melvin at handsonnewton@yahoo.com or 770-330-7405.  Newton County Drug Free Coalition coordinates efforts of organizations involved in prevention, treatment, or recovery of substance use disorders and related health issues, to educate the public about options for healthier lifestyle choices.