UNMC outreach program celebrates a decade of service

OPS students celebrate their graduation from the ALL STARS program with, back row from left: Wayne Houston, UNMC community liaison, Phyllis Butler-Mitchell, UNMC North Omaha Community Care Council member and guest speaker Mark Foxall, Ph.D., deputy director for the Douglas County Department of Corrections.

Kevin Mitchell, a sixth-grader at Fontenelle Middle School, receives his certificate and ring from Phyllis Butler-Mitchell, UNMC North Omaha Community Care Council member.

UNMC, through its partnership with the North Omaha Community Care Council, has taught healthy behaviors to dozens of elementary and middle school children through the ALL STARS program. The ten-year program is part of the after-school activities in several OPS schools.

Teachers recommend students for the program, which addresses risky behaviors such as alcohol, drug and tobacco use. It also addresses violence and premature sexual activity.

“We hope to catch them at an early age and teach them how to deal with peer pressure and encourage them to commit to healthy behaviors,” said Wayne Houston, UNMC community liaison in the Center for Reducing Health Disparities.

The ALL STARS program is based on a successful nationwide alcohol and drug prevention program, Houston said. The Omaha program was developed after north Omaha residents requested a prevention program for the youth in their community.

“If just one student benefits from this program, it will be a success,” said Phyllis Butler-Mitchell, UNMC North Omaha Community Care Council member and ALL STARS facilitator.

At the fall graduation ceremony, parents applauded the program and said it is already making a difference in their households.

“My son is opening up and talking more about what’s going on at school,” said parent Glenisha Nelson. “So, I think the program was excellent. Any opportunity to reinforce positive behavior in the community is great. My son, Kevin, comes from a drug-free home and this program emphasizes the importance of abstinence and remaining drug-free.”

The program also encourages students to think about their futures and what careers they would like to pursue. Several students mentioned health professions.

Upon graduation students receive a certificate and a ring, which is a symbol of their commitment to avoid risky behaviors, stay in school and pursue their chosen careers.