Pubdate: Thu, 15 Aug 2013 Source: Annapolis County Spectator; The (CN NS) Copyright: 2013 Transcontinental Nova Scotia Media Group inc. Contact: http://www.annapoliscountyspectator.ca/ Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/4699 SMART CHOICES Valuable Initiative in Drug Education Being Offered in Annapolis County The Annapolis Detachment of the RCMP is presenting a drug safety education initiative to students in junior high school. Rodena Renaud, RCMP Community Program Officer, will be presenting each student with a copy of the 112page handbook, Drug Safety: Smart choices for LIFE. This valuable resource is widely used to educate and increase awareness of substance abuse. In addition to educating youth, Drug Safety: Smart choices for LIFE is a comprehensive family resource. Children learn effective ways to resist peer pressure, while parents receive tips on how to help their kids stay drug-free, along with important resource contacts and information. Included in the handbook is an award-winning, educational DVD featuring a teenage host and an interactive quiz. The DVD connects to the Community Safety Net website where kids can enter online contests and win great prizes. The kids received this resource through the generous support of local businesses and organizations. "This drug education resource would not have been possible without the support of the many businesses and organizations in Annapolis County," said Renaud. "They have made an investment in the youth of Annapolis County. I feel honored to work in this community." Drug use among youth has steadily increased over the past decade. Around the country, law enforcement groups and community organizations are implementing youth education programs in an effort to prevent drug abuse before it starts. "The youth of Annapolis County will be given the facts they need about drugs with this program, and also a contact person and mentor to talk to if they need help," Renaud said. Community Safety Net is a family run, values-oriented organization that produces a series of educational safety resources created especially for kids. If you have any questions about this program or any other youth safety related topics please email RCMP Community Program Officer Rodena Renaud, at --- MAP posted-by: Jay Bergstrom