Pubdate: Wed, 15 May 2002
Source: Sturgeon Creek Post, The (Fort Saskatchewan, CN AB)
Copyright: 2002 Sturgeon Creek Post Publications
Contact:  http://www.fortsaskinfo.com/thepost/
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/2342

DOW SUPPORTS DARE

Fort Saskatchewan's Drug Abuse Resistance Education program will continue 
for at least two more years thanks to a major donation by Dow Chemical 
Canada last week.

The $20,000 donation will pay the costs of the program operated by the 
local RCMP until at least 2004.

"Thanks to financial support from Dow, students continue to receive the 
most comprehensive drug awareness program in Canada. The program gives them 
the tools they need to resist the temptation of drugs," said Constable 
Helen Meinzinger, community policing coordinator for Fort Saskatchewan RCMP.

The program is delivered to all Grade 6, Grade 7 and Grade 10 students in 
Fort Saskatchewan by RCMP members. It is designed to help students 
recognize and resist both subtle and direct pressures that influence them 
to take drugs. It also promotes self-esteem, conflict resolution, 
communication and other skills.

The program was first introduced to Fort elementary students in 1996, and 
the junior high program was launched in 1998. Fort Junior High was one of 
the first junior high schools in Canada to receive the new program.

Senior high students received the program starting in 2000. To date, Fort 
Saskatchewan is the only community to support that program.

By 2001, every school in Fort Saskatchewan participated in the DARE program.