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. - ---