Pubdate: Thu, 18 Nov 2004
Source: Saugus Advertiser (Saugus, MA)
Copyright: 2004 CommunitysNewspapers Inc.
Contact:  http://www2.townonline.com/saugus/
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/3559

TAKE A STAND

Local officials and other members of the community have been working hard 
for the past month and a half to bring to light the serious drug and 
alcohol abuse problem among Saugus youth. To help distribute information, 
Saugus Speaks Out held an informational call-in forum on Saugus cable 
access last week.

But what spoke volumes about the issue was not the information the forum 
offered - it was the lack of phone calls that they received. It's safe to 
say that those watching had many questions and concerns running through 
their minds as the hour-long program stretched on. But where were the phone 
calls?

The lack of involvement in the call-in forum brings about a serious 
question - are residents of Saugus burying their heads in the sand when it 
comes to facing this difficult issue?

And this issue is understandably difficult. It's hard to face that the 
youth of Saugus are using drugs and that those youth are becoming addicts 
before they have even gotten their driver's licenses. But that is the 
reality - like it or not.

The only way to combat this issue is to work together as a community. This 
means parents, teachers, town officials, health professionals, neighbors 
and the youth themselves.

It's not important whether you become involved with Saugus Speaks Out or 
call the School Department to find out what you can do to help. What is 
important is that you, the residents of Saugus, get involved in some way, 
shape or form.

This problem affects all of you, whether you have a child in the school 
system or you're a senior citizen living at Laurel Gardens. These drugs are 
on your streets. They're in your schools. They're being taken by your children.

Again, we know this is difficult to digest and something nobody wants to 
believe. But it's true.

Residents should be screaming from the rooftops with anger and disbelief. 
There should be letters to the editor, local commentaries and informational 
meetings abound.

Saugus Speaks Out is doing its part - now it's time for you to do yours. 
Call the School Department and find out how you can get involved and how 
you can help. Read the article on Page 5 regarding the informational forum 
if you missed it on cable.

Take a stand.