Pubdate: Fri, 24 Oct 2003 Source: Sun Herald (MS) Copyright: 2003, The Sun Herald Contact: http://www.sunherald.com Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/432 Author: Mike Cummings What You Can Do TACKLING DRUGS AS A COMMUNITY GULFPORT - Citing figures from the coroner's office, Fred Walker, chairman of the Long Beach Drug Task Force, says it's time to recognize that drug abuse is a major public health problem in South Mississippi. "There were 45 deaths from drug overdoses in Harrison County last year," he said, during a recent meeting with The Sun Herald. "We're on pace to possibly top that this year... Imagine the reaction if the West Nile virus killed 46 people in Harrison County. We'd have mosquito netting all over the place." Kathy Best, director of the Jackson County Children's Services Coalition, said parents must be focused on stopping drug use among children. "I think the first thing parents can do is stop turning a blind eye," Best said. "It is a problem, and adults in many ways perpetuate it by not complaining. "... It's time for society as a whole to take a stand that we want to raise a generation that will be substance-free." Walker said South Mississippi needs to abandon the "Mardi Gras culture" that makes excessive drinking seem acceptable. "Anything goes; it's OK for a 50-year-old to be blind drunk on the street if it's Mardi Gras," he said. "... We need role models. We parents need to take it very seriously and not send mixed messages." Charlie Wood, an assistant district attorney in Harrison County, said adolescent drinking and drug abuse permeates both upper and lower income communities. "A lot of people think that's all going on in a few impoverished poor neighborhoods, it's not happening in Bayou Oaks," he said. "That's not true." He said parents need to be strict about not allowing their children to drink alcohol. "I know people who will let their children have a wine cooler or maybe a beer at 15 years old at home, and they'll say, 'Well, I know where he's drinking or I know where she's drinking,' but that's ridiculous. I think it needs to be zero-tolerance." Shannon Harrel, a recent graduate of D'Iberville High School, did not drink or use drugs during high school. She credited her parents for setting a good example. "You can't tell your kids that they're not allowed to drink and smoke if you're going to do it," Harrel said. "If they see you going out and getting drug and smoking cigarettes, they're going to look up to you and think it's OK." The Rev. Nathaniel Jeanpierre, a community activist in Gulfport, said he too often sees parents who are unwilling to take responsibility for raising their children. "In my community, we've got parents who are drug addicts and alcoholics who send their kids to school and expect the teachers to raise them," he said. Walker said a heartfelt conversation between a parent and child can prevent drug and alcohol abuse. "One word from a parent can go a long way," he said. "We need to set standards by sitting them down, saying, 'Do you know how hurt or disappointed I'd be if you used drugs?' " Reaching Out, Getting Organized Here is a list of ideas, complied during a recent meeting of The Sun Herald's anti-drug task force, of how to protect children from drugs and alcohol: Don't leave children without adult supervision. Be involved in your children's extracurricular activities. Get involved in the lives of children; for example, coaching Little League sports. Seek professional help for your child early on if you suspect he has a drug problem or is depressed. Set a standard for your child: "Do you know how disappointed I'd be if you used drugs?" Churches must reach out beyond their walls into the community. They should provide after-school care. Get to know the patrolmen in your neighborhood. Welcome their presence and keep them informed. Organize your neighborhood. Report crimes. Call about underage drinking parties in your neighborhood. Judges should require children to attend drug education classes as part of sentencing for drug-related violations. Elect candidates who support strict enforcement of underage drinking laws. - --- MAP posted-by: Larry Stevens