Pubdate: Sat, 17 Nov 2007 Source: Rensselaer Republican, The (IN) Copyright: 2007 The Rensselaer Republican Contact: http://www.rensselaerrepublican.com/ Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/4309 DRUG DEMAND REDUCTION PROGRAM PROVIDES COMPREHENSIVE EDUCATION FOR STUDENTS Washington, D.C. - Congressman Pete Visclosky announced that legislation signed into law by the President includes $800,000 for anti-drug programs in Northwest Indiana. As part of his efforts to fight and prevent crime in Northwest Indiana, Visclosky secured the funding for Indiana National Guard's Drug Demand Reduction Program, which will provide support to several drug-prevention programs for area students in Northwest Indiana. "The Drug Demand Reduction Program offers educational programs to prevent Northwest Indiana students from using drugs, which is a critical first step in reducing drug use and crime in our area," said Visclosky. "This funding is a much-needed investment in our community, our children, and our quality of life." As part of the anti-drug programs, the Indiana National Guard provides drug education to over 20,000 elementary, middle school, and high school students throughout Indiana's First Congressional District, with over 25 schools in Lake County alone. The primary drug education program, known as "Stay on Track" is an interactive program that involves students, teachers, parents, and guardsmen, and helps students develop the skills needed to make smart decisions about their health and their future. Additional programs to "Stay on Track" include programs such as "Checkmate Drugs," "Learning for Life Program," and "Mobile Team Challenge." The funding was part of the FY 2008 Defense Appropriations bill that the President signed into law yesterday. "More students in Northwest Indiana will say no to drugs because of Congressman Visclosky's support for this anti-drug program," said Lt. Col. Joseph Luckett, who will oversee the Drug Demand Reduction Program. "The Indiana National Guard is better able to serve our communities because Congressman Visclosky is part of the team dedicated to combating illegal drug use." - --- MAP posted-by: Richard Lake