Traffic crashes are the number one killer of teens and over one-third of teen traffic deaths are alcohol related. Adolescents experiment with a variety of substances, including alcohol, prescription and nonprescription medications, cigarettes, inhalants, and illegal drugs. Marijuana is the most widely used illicit drug in the United States and inhalant abuse is on the rise with more than 1,000 products being used by adolescence today.

Real Life was developed in 1996 to address the medical and social consequences and preventable injuries to this high-risk population. This hospital based day-long education intervention program focuses on techniques to prevent serious injury. It is targeted for youth ages 11-17 who are at risk for, or have already experimented with, alcohol and/or drugs.

With the help of medical professionals, injury prevention specialists, young patient survivors, crash investigators and local police departments, Real Life participants get a first-hand look at the consequences of drug and alcohol related injuries. Parent and child participate in open discussions on drug and alcohol prevention and driving safety. In addition, information is also provided on the legal, financial and medical consequences of alcohol and drug use.

Class Schedule

October 20, 2007
February 2, 2008
May 17, 2008
August 23, 2008
November 8, 2008

Real Life Referral Sources

Probate Courts-Juvenile Division
Schools
Police agencies
Social service agencies
Youth assistant programs
Parent referral

Real Life requires:

Referral from one of the above referral sources
Mandatory participation of a parent or legal guardian
Program fee of $100 (includes child and one parent/legal guardian)

Real Life facts

Held Saturdays, on a quarterly basis, from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Real Life is not for youth who have committed violent or serious crimes, who are repeat offenders, or who have been in a drug or alcohol rehabilitation program
The program services counties in southeast Michigan.

Real Life Prevention Education is presented by:

The University of Michigan Trauma Burn Center
The University of Michigan Department of Pathology
The University of Michigan Child and Adolescent Depression Program
The University of Michigan Neurosurgery - Think First Foundation
The University of Michigan Transportation Research Institute (UMTRI)
Livingston and Washtenaw Narcotics Enforcement Team (LAWNET)
Ann Arbor Police Department
Lenawee County Sheriff Department
Growth Works Incorporated

Real Life Referral Process

Refer any youth age 11 to 17 who are at risk for, or have already experimented with drugs and/or alcohol.

Complete a referral form. Fax it to: (734) 998-8453
Referral Form (PDF)
Complete a Waiver Disclosure Authorization form. (This is for referring schools, police departments and social service agencies. Parent initiated referrals need not complete.) Fax it to: (734) 998-8453
Disclosure Authorization Form (PDF)
Provide each custodial parent or legal guardian with:
Real Life Family Information Forms (PDF)
Parent/legal guardian must call and schedule their child/children into the Real Life program within one week of referral submission. To schedule call (734) 998-8451.

Following the program:

It is the parent/legal guardian's responsibility to return the Real Life Program Certificate of Completion to the referring agency within one week of attending the program.
Referring agency will be contacted immediately if youth does not attend the Real Life program.

For additional information please contact:

Karla Klas, RN, BSN, CCRN
Real Life Program Coordinator
Phone: (734) 998-8450
E-mail: kahrns@umich.edu