Pubdate: Fri, 04 Jul 2008
Source: Idaho Mountain Express (ID)
Copyright: 2008 Express Publishing, Inc
Contact:  http://www.mtexpress.com/
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/2296
Author: Dayle Ohlau

PARENTS HAVE A BIG ROLE IN STOPPING DRUG ABUSE

National statistics can be startling, especially when applied to our 
own communities. A federal report released just last week reveals 
"that more than 40 percent of the nation's estimated 10.8 million 
underage drinkers obtained their alcohol from adults of legal 
drinking age-including their own parents." (Substance Abuse and 
Mental Health Services Administration.)

In Blaine County, our Community Drug Coalition is comprised of 
critical agencies working to improve the health and safety of our 
community by decreasing alcohol and other drug use among our youth. 
These agencies include Blaine County Government, Juvenile Probation, 
Blaine County Sheriff's Office, St. Luke's Center for Community 
Health, The Hailey Police Department, The School District, as well as 
volunteers from the business sector, Hispanic community, PTA's, 
addiction treatment, and youth.

Together, we are working to define our community norms that shape 
risky behavior among youth in the Wood River Valley. These findings 
lead to education, programs, and opportunities to keep our kids safe 
and parents and families informed. As Acting Surgeon General Steven 
K. Galson said recently, "Proper parental guidance alone may not be 
the complete solution to this devastating public health problem-but 
it is a critical part."

Recently, the following comments have been made to our coalition:

 From a parent: "There seems to be a growing rift between the truth 
and what the adults believe to be true about the drug use of our kids."

 From a business professional: "There is a group of parents who say, 
'Everyone is doing it: it's better to buy the beer and have the kids 
at home. I smoked pot at their age (and still do.)'"

 From a Parent: "There are few incentives for youth to not try 
alcohol or other drugs-particularly given that every single social 
event or location in our community serves alcohol as an incentive or 
perk of attending the events."

As your Community Drug Coalition we have some work to do, and with 
your help we can make our community a safer place for our kids. In 
saying that, we know that we need a broad base of support and 
teamwork so that no single organization or person must try and 
address this critical challenge alone.

Education, programs, and opportunities need funding for development. 
We are currently being funded by a state grant; unfortunately, that 
money isn't guaranteed for a second operating year. We are looking at 
other federal funding opportunities. Until then, our Blaine County 
Sheriff's Office in association with the Community Drug Coalition is 
inviting our community to "Jail House Rock" in conjunction with the 
opening of the new Blaine County Public Safety Facility, on 
Wednesday, July 23rd, from 6 -- 9 p.m. Tickets are $25 and completely 
tax deductible. All proceeds benefit the Blaine County Community Drug 
Coalition. We invite you to join us for music, food, and "jail house" 
fun at the new facility, 1650 Aviation Drive. Bring your kids and 
they can tour the new jail. We also have Gold Star and Silver Star 
sponsor opportunities.

Please call 208-309-1219 for tickets or if you'd like to volunteer to 
help. Our coalition's community-wide approach affects the entire 
social environment, including values, practices, and policies that 
promote a safe and healthy community. It also changes the conditions 
that put children at risk for substance use, as well as other problem 
behaviors. Working together we can make these changes happen.

- -Ohlau is Executive Director of the Blaine County Community Drug Coalition
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MAP posted-by: Keith Brilhart