Pubdate: Fri, 01 Apr 2005
Source: Pacific Daily News (US GU)
Copyright: 2005 Pacific Daily News
Contact: http://www.guampdn.com/customerservice/contactus.html
Website: http://www.guampdn.com/
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/1122
Author: Natalie J. Quinata
Bookmark: http://www.mapinc.org/pot.htm (Cannabis)
Bookmark: http://www.mapinc.org/meth.htm (Methamphetamine)
Bookmark: http://www.mapinc.org/youth.htm (Youth)

COMMUNITY OUTREACH PROJECT TO ADDRESS TEEN DRUG ABUSE

There are many options and opportunities out there for Guam's youth,
and the Pacific Daily News and its community partners want to share
that with them in an effort to stay away from drugs.

Marijuana and crystal methamphetamine, more commonly known as "ice,"
posed the most serious drug threats to Guam with users as young as 12
years old, according to a 2003 U.S. Justice Department National Drug
Intelligence Center report. And smoking and alcohol abuse among teens
continue to concern local health officials.

Tomorrow, the Pacific Daily News and Mobil Oil Guam will launch their
yearlong community outreach project, "Cool Just as I Am," aimed at
helping teens stay away from drugs.

Edna Nery, Pacific Daily News human resources director, said this
year's community project was chosen to bring light on the issue of
teen drug abuse, and to remind parents and the youth that drug abuse
is prevalent in society.

"The more you know about it, and the earlier parents realize that they
have to communicate with their children about drug use, the less
danger they'll be in," Nery said.

The community project will continue throughout the year with a
different theme each month aimed at educating teens about the hazards
of drug abuse and the effects it has on their health and lives.

Tomorrow's event will feature a martial arts demonstration, a fashion
show featuring the latest prom trends, a talent show, a hip-hop
battle, and more. There will also be tabletop displays from various
youth organizations. 
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