Pubdate: Sun, 27 Jun 2010 Source: El Paso Times (TX) Copyright: 2010 El Paso Times Contact: http://www.elpasotimes.com/townhall/ci_14227323 Website: http://www.elpasotimes.com/ Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/829 Author: Caylor Ballinger RALLY AGAINST DRUG ABUSES Usually binational, but not so this year EL PASO -- About 150 people -- youngsters and adults -- danced and mingled Saturday morning in a Western Playland parking lot to raise awareness about drug abuse. The Rio Grande Safe Communities Coalition held its sixth annual Bi-national Rally on the River in observation of International Day Against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking But it was not binational this year. The event, which featured mariachis, music and several law enforcement agencies and fire departments, was held at Western Playland instead of its regular site on the border on El Paso's West Side because of safety concerns. The celebration began with speakers and music and ended with the release of red, white and blue and green balloons to symbolize the unity of Mexico and the United States. For the past 10 years, the Safe Communities group has held a series of events that educate the public about drug abuse and healthful living, said Mary Ellen Hernandez, the coalition's executive director. The event is supposed to unite El Paso, Las Cruces and Juarez, she said. "It was kind of sad because we couldn't celebrate with our partners in Juarez this year," Hernandez said. "We had to move at the last minute for safety reasons." She said that in previous years the coalition was able to socialize with Juarez residents and observe the day of awareness. She said Juarez held its own event separately this year. Angie Corral, co-president of the Binational Health Council for the New Mexico Department of Health, said she also thought it was unfortunate that the event could not be shared with Mexico. "We are a border community, and the drug issue is a problem for both sides," Corral said. "This is the day we celebrate, and it would have been nice to do it with them." Naomi Fahrenkrug, community health coordinator with the Office of Border Health of Las Cruces, said she has witnessed the damage drug addiction does to a person too many times. "As a foster parent, some of the teens would come to me addicted to different drugs," Fah renkrug said. "I have seen their struggles. The thing we want to do is bring awareness and prevention of drugs." Diana Apodaca, public information officer for the Drug Enforcement Administration in El Paso, said officials hoped to educate the public about drug abuse and attack the problem. "We have a drug display unit so kids who have never seen drugs can ask us about them in a safe, controlled setting," Apodaca said. "A lot of people have stopped to look at them, even adults." The display had tools, drugs and all types of medicines that people might not suspect as harmful, Apodaca said. It is an educational tool. Yessica Delgado, 13, said she came as a member of a youth smoke-free group. "I think this is a pretty cool event," she said. "I think we should be more united; that way we won't get into more fights." - --- MAP posted-by: Matt Elrod