Pubdate: Tue, 16 Nov 1999 Source: Penticton Western News(Canada) Copyright: 1999 Penticton Western Contact: 2250 Camrose St., Penticton, BC Canada V2A-8R1 Fax: (250)492-9843 Website: http://www.bowesnet.com/penticton/ STREET LEVEL TO HOST ANTI-DRUG EDUCATION PROGRAM Starting in January, Street Level Youth Centre will host the Safety Net Drug Education program to promote drug-free and risk-free living among children. "We believe that protecting our children through education is a very effective way to reduce the risks they face in their everyday lives," said local program representative Kimberley Keith. North American children are killed or permanently disabled at a rate of one every 3.84 minutes. Many of these incidents result from drug use and overdose. The program will be presented to 4,000 children, aged 10 and older. Parents attend with the youth, who will be divided into two groups, depending on age. Those in attendance work through an instructional book supplied by Gateway Safety Net Publications. The program is supported by contributing merchants and businesses and there is no charge to participants. The first session will be held Jan. 8, from 9 a.m.-4 p.m. Keith said she hopes to hold the sessions every three months after that. "This is a real opportunity to protect the children," said Keith. "I think that together, we and the (sponsoring) merchants, can make a difference." Call Kimberley Keith at 490-0320 to pre-register. - --- MAP posted-by: Doc-Hawk