EL1 Trenton Thunder

Alliance For Consumer Education Will Take The Mound Against Inhalant Abuse

Published on April 12, 2010 under Eastern League (EL1)
Trenton Thunder News Release


The Alliance for Consumer Education (ACE) announced today that they have entered into a partnership with four Eastern League baseball teams (Double-A Minor League) in a unique program designed to educate parents, school officials and individuals in the community about the often overlooked dangers of inhalant abuse. The latest national data reveals more 12-year olds are using inhalants than cigarettes, marijuana, hallucinogens, cocaine, and nonmedical use of prescription drugs (National Survey on Drug Use and Health, March 2010). Children nationwide abuse more than 1,400 inexpensive and readily available everyday household, office and school products. The New Britain Rock Cats (CT), Reading Phillies (PA), Akron Aeros (OH) and the Trenton Thunder (NJ) have agreed to take the field with ACE this season and raise awareness about this issue.

The "Striking Out Inhalant Abuse" program, now in its second year, seeks to utilize the broad appeal of America's favorite pastime and the tremendous popularity of Minor League Baseball Teams in local communities. In partnership with the American School Counselor Association (ASCA), mascots and team representatives will visit dozens of local grade schools to discuss the issue. The thousands of students participating will also receive team-branded materials and a ticket to a game.

"This program was launched to raise parental awareness and start a dialogue among families about the dangers of inhalant abuse," said Colleen Creighton, Executive Director of ACE. "There is a real problem when more than 1 in 5 children in the U.S. will abuse inhalants by the eighth grade. We commend the Minor League teams and ASCA for their enthusiastic support of this important initiative."

Each team will host an Inhalant Abuse Awareness Game this season to include free promotional giveaway items, and educational components. The Thunder will host their event on Saturday, June 26th at the 7:05pm home game. This is Trenton's second year is support of this cause.

"The Thunder are proud to continue our support in the important effort to prevent inhalant abuse among children," said Will Smith, Trenton Thunder General Manager. "Because America's baseball parks are natural gathering places for families and children - they are uniquely useful settings for raising public awareness about a danger that many parents don't even know exists. To the extent that we can continue to raise awareness among Thunder fans of all ages, we are delighted to be part of the solution."

This program stemmed from a 2008 partnership with the New Britain Rock Cats that included the first ever Inhalant Abuse Awareness Game at a Minor League ballpark. Inhalant abuse among 7th and 8th graders in Connecticut increased from 2004 to 2008 (Groton Adolescent Substance Abuse Prevention Coalition, May 2008).

The Alliance for Consumer Education (ACE) is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization founded in 2000. The ACE mission is "to promote responsible and beneficial use of products to ensure a safer, healthier and cleaner environment in homes, businesses and the community." Its core program areas are: Inhalant Abuse Prevention, Disease Prevention, Poison Prevention, and Product Management. ACE is affiliated with the Consumer Specialty Products Association.

Trenton begins its 2010 season by hosting the Erie SeaWolves on Thursday, April 8 at 7:05 PM. The New York Yankees World Series Trophy will be on display on the stadium concourse during the game and the first 2,000 fans will receive a magnetic schedule thanks to the Verizon Yellow Pages.

Check out the Trenton Thunder Statistics

Share: Facebook | Twitter/X | LinkedIn | Reddit | Email



Eastern League Stories from April 12, 2010


The opinions expressed in this release are those of the organization issuing it, and do not necessarily reflect the thoughts or opinions of OurSports Central or its staff.

OurSports Central