Pubdate: Fri, 30 Jan 2009 Source: Western Star, The (CN NF) Copyright: 2009 The Western Star Contact: http://www.thewesternstar.com/ Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/2523 Author: Cory Hurly Bookmark: http://www.mapinc.org/dare.htm (D.A.R.E.) ALL CITY GRADE 6 STUDENTS TO PARTICIPATE IN DRUG AWARENESS PROGRAM For the first time in Corner Brook, every Grade 6 student will take part in the D.A.R.E. program. The drug abuse resistance education program has undergone many changes in the city - mainly, until this year, it was only offered to one or two classes a year. Const. Robert Edwards, the drug awareness officer for the Corner Brook RNC, told the Corner Brook Rotary Club Thursday that just wasn't fair nor effective in reaching the city's teenagers. With junior high right around the corner, often bringing with it many peer pressures, he said it was important for all the students to gain the knowledge of the dangers that exist. He said the concern of youth and drugs are no longer just marijuana, but now a large spectrum including prescription and illicit drugs. It is not just a concern of "blue collar" youth, but everybody inclusive. "It's the type of addiction that happens with any child as long as the invitation is there and the availability is there," he said, adding a youth can become instantly addicted to some of the drugs available now. The D.A.R.E. program has grown to become a decision-making model for life, according to the officer, something which has been widely recognized as a means of communication between parents and their children. It is also a connection to the community, a way for people to help better the future for today's youth, said Edwards. "We are always saying, 'look what's happening in society, look another crime happened, it looks like substance abuse, look at their defence in court today - they are addicted to this or that," he said. "This D.A.R.E program is a way for us to be preventative and proactive in education also. Instead of being reactive to what we can do about it, how do we deal with the issue. You educate the children and you are investing in this child's life. It is going to make a big difference to that child to learn all the hazards now and never ever get in trouble or they don't know, are naive, and the next thing they are involved in the criminal court systems." At the end of the meeting, the Rotary club presented Edwards with $500 to assist with delivering the program. 30/01/09 - --- MAP posted-by: Jay Bergstrom