Cordele Dispatch, Cordele, GA

Local news

December 25, 2008

Community working to stop drug abuse among youth

By BECKY CRISSMAN

becky.crissman@gaflnews.com

With STAFF REPORTS



CORDELE — Drugs are in the community. Though it’s a subject most people would rather avoid, the reality of drug abuse stares everyone in the face in police reports and untimely deaths. Drug use appears increasingly popular among the young.

In an attempt to counter this problem, Dr. Judy Bean, superintendent of the Crisp County School System, and Rev. Ray Burnette, The Houston Baptist Association’s associational missionary, are planning a drug and alcohol abuse awareness forum at 7 p.m. on Jan. 12, 2009.

The forum will be held in the auditorium of Crisp County Middle School.

Dr. Bean indicated that she is getting an increasing number of calls from parents who are concerned about the pervasiveness of drug and alcohol abuse among youth.

Parents realize there is a problem, yet many say they are uncertain about how to address the problem.

“Now is the time for the school system to partner with our faith-based organizations to educate parents about the risks their children are facing and empower parents to intervene before their children begin experimenting with drugs and alcohol,” said Bean.

All parents and citizens are encouraged to attend the Jan. 12 session which likely will be the first in a series.

Youth are getting high off almost anything they can get their hands on these days including marijuana, cocaine, and acid. There is even a new type of methamphetamine that looks and tastes like candy. Young people are stealing and combining prescription medications, huffing spray paint, and eating mushrooms.

Each year millions of young people die from drug overdoses or binge drinking. Many parents are unaware of the situation until it is too late. They just do not realize how readily available illicit drugs are to their children.

For many years school systems around the United States have implemented drug awareness programs such as DARE and CHAMPS. Law enforcement officials work diligently to educate the young people in their communities about the dangers of drug use, but they cannot do it alone.

Text Only
Local news
  • Long time administrator passes Burnette passes

    Long-time resident and community leader Jean Burnette passed away Sunday. Burnette served the City of Cordele first as assistant city administrator from 1974 until 2000 when she became city administrator. She retained that position until her retirement in 2010.

    May 21, 2012 1 Photo

  • Convenience store clerk, resident wounded in early Sunday shootings

    A convenience food store owner leaving his business for the night and a man inside his home were wounded in shootings that occurred within a span of just over two hours early Sunday morning.

    May 21, 2012

  • Beautiful gardens start now

    Get out the shovel and trowels – Memorial Day weekend is almost here, and that means gardening for many.

    May 21, 2012

  • FSA seeking photos for ag anniversary

    One hundred and fifty years ago, in the midst of a great Civil War, President Lincoln signed legislation to establish a Department of Agriculture.

    May 21, 2012

  • Group.JPG Fullington graduates get their diplomas

    PINEHURST - "It is my prayer for each of you that in the face of adversity and defeat, you know who you are and what you stand for," Fullington Academy valedictorian Taylor Faircloth challenged her fellow graduates during commencement exercises in the school gym Friday night.

    May 19, 2012 1 Photo

  • Faith grads.jpg Faith Christian graduates four

    VIENNA - Four young adults received their high school diplomas from Faith Christian School here Thursday night. Guest speaker for the event was Rev. John Dent, pastor of Lighthouse Baptist Church in Americus.

    May 19, 2012 1 Photo

  • 5-20 WCHS grad.tif 69 Wilcox grads receive diplomas

    ROCHELLE — It was an emotional morning Saturday in the gym of Wilcox County High School as the 69 members of the graduating class received diplomas.

    May 19, 2012 1 Photo

  • $750,000 worth of pot seized in Wilcox County

    ROCHELLE — Authorities were continuing their search Saturday for the owner of a home where more than 150 marijuana plants with an astonishing street value of $750,000 were seized on Thursday.

    May 19, 2012

  • Mayor warns cemetery vandals

    Council members here handled a short agenda Monday night taking action on only two items of business.

    May 18, 2012

  • City discusses taxes, litter

    During its monthly work session Tuesday, City Commissioners heard a presentation on Local Option Sales Tax presented by Barry Hall with Governmental Enterprises.

    May 18, 2012

Business Marquee
AP Video
Ex-Rutgers Student Gets 30 Days in Webcam Case Obama Sees Inspiration in Joplin Graduates Ravi Spared Prison in Rutgers Webcam Case Miss. Prison Quiet After Riot; 1 Dead Obama Confident Afghans Can Take Security Lead Raw Video: Deadly Bombing at Yemen Parade Preps Professor: Chinese Activist's 'Spirit Is Good' Ring of Fire Eclipse Seen in U.S., Asia Golden Gate Bridge Celebrates 75 Years G-8 Seeks Unity on Euro-debt Crisis, Iran Prosecutors: Trio Planned to Attack Obama's HQ Obama: G8 Unified in Stance on Iran, Syria
House Ads
More
Weather Radar
Video Gallery
Hyperlocal Search
Premier Guide
Find a business

Walking Fingers
Maps, Menus, Store hours, Coupons, and more...
Premier Guide
Popular Searches
Powered by Local.com
Community Calendar
Loading…
Events by eviesays.com
Seasonal Content
Poll

Do you agree with President Obama's support of gay marriage?

A. Yes
B. No
     View Results