The Oregon Health & Science University (OHSU), with its landmark steroid and drug prevention/health promotion programs ATLAS and ATHENA, was named the recipient of SPORTS ILLUSTRATED's first SI Champion Award, given to a non-profit for its exemplary work in the sports arena. The selection was the culmination of an open application process for non-profits that are involved in youth sports or are headed by a sports figure. A total of 48 organizations applied. Through the partnership with SI, the programs will receive cash and public service announcements in the magazine totaling one million dollars to create a network of SI SCHOOLS that will serve as national models, demonstrating the healthy mission of sports and how student-athletes can become winners for life.

Drugs, alcohol and steroids have entered the world of high school sports, with use at an alarming rate. In 1993, 1 in every 45 high school students reported using anabolic steroids. Today the number of users is 1 in 16. School sports do not protect young athletes from drug and alcohol use or other unhealthy behaviors.

The ATLAS and ATHENA programs help recapture the healthy mission of sport through effective drug prevention and health promotion education. With ATLAS and ATHENA, schools can provide their student athletes with the best equipment for a healthy life.

The state athletic associations in Florida (with the Hanley Center), Michigan, Oregon and Virginia and the Center for Health Promotion Research at Oregon Health and Science University will choose high schools to be part of the model SI Schools initiative. Each SI School will receive ATLAS and ATHENA program training and components for the 2006-07 academic year and national recognition from SPORTS ILLUSTRATED.

Find out how you can be involved in these groundbreaking programs.

• 
  http://www.mhsaa.com/resources/sischools/
• 
  http://www.vhsl.org/AtlasAthena.htm
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  http://www.fhsaa.org/news/2006/0322.htm
  http://www.fhsaa.org/
  http://www.hanleycenter.org/
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  http://www.osaa.org/2006atlasathena/

ATLAS and ATHENA offer a new paradigm for drug prevention and health promotion education. Unlike traditional health classes, these programs are gender-specific and use a sport team setting. ATLAS is for young male athletes and ATHENA is designed for young female athletes. Influential team leaders and coaches promote the health of young athletes. During the sport season, ATLAS and ATHENA are incorporated into the usual team activities. Student athletes are divided into learning groups of five. One student per group is trained as the "Squad Leader". The coach introduces activities, keeps students on task and facilitates the program with help from the Squad Leaders.

The programs are easy to implement and the instructions are completely scripted. Each 45-minute session (10 sessions for ATLAS and 8 sessions for ATHENA) is interactive and includes educational games, role-playing and mock public service campaigns. Importantly, the programs focus on the here and now, rather than the long-term harmful effects of substance use. Athletes learn how to achieve their goals using state-of-the-art sports nutrition and strength training, and develop skills to avoid unhealthy behaviors.

Learn more about ATLAS and ATHENA

ATLAS and ATHENA FAQ
ATLAS Results

ATHENA Results
About the Center for Health Promotion Research

ATLAS and ATHENA are scientifically proven programs that significantly reduce illicit drug and steroid use while promoting healthy nutrition and exercise.

50% reduction in new alcohol and illicit drug use

Over 50% reduction in new anabolic steroid use

24% reduction in drinking and driving

40% reduction in use of supplements

Improved nutrition and exercise behaviors

Students believed they were better athletes

Students believe their team was a better source of information

Reduced use of alcohol, and marijuana

Less use of steroids, amphetamines, and supplements

Reduced use of diet pills

Less riding in a car with a drinking driver

Less new sexual activity

Improved nutrition behaviors

Less long term use of diet pills, alcohol and marijuana