Local news
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.
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