Why D.A.R.E? The Oct. 7 article, "Upvalley schools get funds to battle drug use," has prompted this first-time letter from me.

The article relates that statistics show the students of St. Helena and Calistoga are at a frightening number in their use of drugs and alcohol. Further, these statistics are significantly higher than the statewide averages. Shirin Vakharia of the Napa County Department of Health and Human Services revealed that drug use is dropping across California, however St. Helena and Calistoga students have a high rate of drug use and binge drinking.

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