N.O.P.E. TASK FORCE, INC.
TEQUESTA, FLORIDA

The NOPE Vigil strives to raise awareness and open the doors to recovery by eliminating the prejudice that has followed the disease of addiction; a disease that shows no prejudice to any walk of life or background. With the removal of shame comes the hope for survival. Acceptance of the disease can be humbling to the soul, and, in turn, empowering to those in need, to seek help. Our Mission Lynn University of Boca Raton, Florida, provides on-going comprehensive evaluation for the NOPE prevention programs. Consistent positive findings show that the NOPE presentations given in each of the participant groups have had significant impact on the knowledge and attitudes of those exposed to the NOPE programs. The NOPE messages have each been found to have been heard and understood by the participants. The attitudes around these messages have been tested through survey responses and the results have shown a change in attitude based on knowledge of these messages. The cornerstone of the NOPE mission is the high-impact, multimedia presentation that is delivered to middle and high school students. The NOPE presentation is purposefully blunt and evokes powerful emotions. The response from students, parents and teachers has been very positive. Many students reach out to NOPE's wealth of resources beyond the presentation and seek guidance for themselves or to get help for a friend. The NOPE National Candle Light Vigil brings communities together each year during Red Ribbon Week to remember those lost to and suffering from substance abuse in an effort to bring awareness to the consequences our nation faces with the illegal use of prescription and illicit drugs. The NOPE Vigil strives to reduce the stigma surrounding addiction so that those suffering with the disease will openly seek help. Business attire is always appropriate. Make it clear you are available to help them out. Give examples of the people you serve. Bring along information about what you do. Make sure you include your contact information. Provide examples about how the issue affects your district NOPE Helps Save Lives!