Rebecca Hernandez: Helping kids and parents combat substance abuse

By Pat Kumpan

As executive director of Safety Wellness Advocacy Community Coalition, Rebecca Hernandez is dedicated to helping parents and youth in combatting substance abuse problems.

Several years ago, she began her journey to becoming a youth advocate while she served as president of the Palomar Council PTA, which includes all Poway Unified School District PTAs and

PTSAs.

At the time, someone in Poway Unified suggested she attend the countywide Summer Substance Abuse Summit, which ultimately led her to get involved with the grass-roots efforts of SWACC.

During the ensuing years, the nonprofit group has developed strategies that include community insight and assessment about the availability of alcohol, drugs and tobacco to local youth.

“Long ago, we realized that students and adults are much better equipped to achieve personal goals and reach their fullest potential when health and wellness issues are taken care of,” Hernandez said.

Hernandez also recommends parents talk to one another, a trusted friend or a professional in the specific field needed, not only for help, but personal support.

“We have a great team who cares,” Hernandez said. “We have members from business, law enforcement, as well as local, state and national officials, service clubs, and professionals representing prevention, public health and public safety.”

That broad base of participants adds up to varied perspective, which results in awareness and often insight that members might not experience except in a group setting, she added.

Those who attend SWACC meetings hear experts talk about topics ranging from parenting to information about the latest drug or teen driving, Hernandez said.

The most recent SWACC meeting included a timely discussion about the current mental health campaign “It’s Up to Us,” a series of television commercials and print advertisements intended to educate the public about the signs of depression and other mental illnesses — and who to turn to for help.

“I collaborate with county, state and national colleagues about health-, drug- or alcohol-related problems,” Hernandez said. “It’s difficult to find a place to start when it’s your child.

“There can be a lot of help out there, but the search is overwhelming,” she added. “Locally, our SWACC website will soon offer similar resources, parent tips, information portals and quick links.”

“Rebecca is genuinely passionate about what she can do through SWACC to help others,” said the nonprofit’s president, Sharon Struck.

“We wouldn’t be where we are today if it wasn’t for her,” Struck said.

As a former president of Palomar Council PTA, Hernandez encourages parents to join their child’s PTA.

“Definitely make time to be involved with your child — no matter what their age,” she said. “Join the PTA or a youth program where your kids are active.

“And turn to local media to find out what is happening in your community,” Hernandez said.

The next SWACC meeting is noon Wednesday, Oct. 26 at PUSD headquarters, 15250 Avenue of Science. Guests are welcome.

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