Every day, far too many Americans are hurt by alcohol and
drug abuse. From diminished achievement in our schools, to greater risks on our
roads and in our communities, to the heartache of lives cut tragically short,
the consequences of substance abuse are profound. Yet, we also know that they
are preventable. Last month, we paid tribute to all those working to prevent
substance abuse in our communities, and rededicated ourselves to building a safer,
drug-free America. Preventing drug use before it
begins—particularly among young people—is the most cost-effective way to reduce
drug use and its consequences.
In Van Buren County the SAFE Coalition and Youth Leadership
Council (YLC) work with other groups in the county to help prevent substance
abuse in our community. During the month
of October the coalition and YLC members recognized National Substance Abuse
Prevention Month, Medicine Abuse Awareness Month and National Above the
Influence Day by holding several activities to encourage positive choices by
youth and adults in Van Buren County.
These activities included a TAG IT activity that helped Van
Buren Community High School students identify what they were above the
influence of; Peer Teaching to help Van Buren Community Elementary students
learn about the effects of substance abuse and choose to pledge to be substance
abuse free; a Hall of Horrors event that helped Van Buren Community Middle/High
School students understand the dangers of tobacco use; and a prescription drug
take back day with the Van Buren County Sheriff’s Reserve to help remove
expired and unused prescription medications from the community safely.
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