EDUCATION &
OUTREACH
The Healthy and Creative Brain.
A large, immersive tool to reinforce drug prevention efforts.
About The Healthy and Creative Brain
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The Healthy and Creative Brain inflatable was leased by DII with support from Kanawha Communities That Care and Prestera to expand our Don’t Keep Rx Around™ Medication Safety program throughout southern West Virginia. The Brain is intended to be used mainly in communities located in Region 5 of the state (Kanawha, Cabell, Putnam, Clay, Lincoln, Boone, Logan, Mason, Mingo & Wayne) for public events, SUD and prevention-related events.
This traveling exhibit is placed at locations throughout WV for month-long or longer residencies (like community centers and museums where children visit for field trips). Currently the exhibit is located (for a month ) at Heritage Farms (Wayne County) where 1,200+ school children from six WV counties will visit this month. Children will leave with activity books and teachers can then use them in the classroom with a lesson plan.
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A Hand's On Experience
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The Healthy and Creative Brain is a large, immersive tool used to reinforce prevention efforts made by DII and local substance use prevention coalitions. This 18' long x 14' wide x 12' high inflatable contains information about the consequences of substance use and medication misuse.
This hands-on experience highlights the implications of substance use in an age-appropriate, understandable way and allows students not only to see and touch the exhibit but also to physically walk through it with their peers to learn about types of substances and how the misuse of over the counter and prescription medicine impacts the brain.
The exhibit helps facilitate discussion and demonstrates the psychological and physical effects of substance use on the brain. The messaging and curriculum is designed for usage in schools, but can be applied to appropriate public events, as well. The Healthy and Creative Brain introduces the anatomy and physiology of the brain and reinforces medication safety concepts
FAQ
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How do I get the Healthy and Creative Brain to come to me?
Due to the size and weight of the exhibit we are booking month long or longer residencies where we can reach more students at sites that see students in afterschool programs, during field trips (like parks and museums), and other public locations. If you are interested in being a host site please contact the Education Director, Macy Withrow, via email at macy@wvdii.org or via phone at (304)545-0022.
How much does it cost to have the Healthy and Creative Brain brought to me?
If you are interested in being a host site for a month-long or longer residency there is no cost to having the Brain at your school, museum, community center, etc.
If I choose to have the brain at my location will my staff have to manage the upkeep?
No! An Institute staff member will be there every day that the exhibit is open, and will be managing the upkeep of inflating and deflating the brain. Our team can also assist with education and leave behind activities, materials, and lesson plans for parents, caregivers, and educators to take to the classroom or back home. These materials can be co-branded with your organization depending upon the length of the residency.
