Residents at St. Marks Living helped to assemble messages that are now being sent to parents as part of the simply TALK campaign by Austin Positive Action Coalition (APAC).

APAC is encouraging parents to talk to their students about anything and everything; the campaign is designed to foster conversations with students in hopes that difficult talks will b e easier in the future.

Simply TALK is the current initiative highlighted by the coalition, which includes a post card and billboard awareness campaign.

“Building relationships with your kids is very important,” said Bill Spitzer, coordinator for the local coalition working to reduce underage drinking. “We need to have these crucial conversations about substance abuse with our students.”

Late last year the simply TALK campaign sent postcards to parents with students in grades 7-12. These postcards included tips to help parents start conversations with their students. A second postcard will be sent out later this month asking parents for their opinions on the topic of substance abuse.

Parents will be directed to an on-line survey at www.truthisaustin.comor asked to visit the public library to complete the questionnaire beginning Feb. 26. All surveys will be anonymous.

“Residents really enjoyed helping with such an important project,” said Jessica Conway, Life Enrichment director at St. Marks.