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Youth Services

Your Children Need You

Drug use among our nation's youth is on the rise. Illicit drug use among 8th graders has more than doubled since the early 1990s. Marijuana use alone has tripled. And the cost of increasing youth drug use is high-too high. Academic failure, truancy, violence, theft, and risky sexual behavior are often associated with illicit drug use. Also, most of the leading causes of death of young people-motor vehicle crashes, homicide, injury, and suicide -are more likely to occur when youngsters are under the influence of psychoactive substances.

Do you think your child is immune to this problem? Do you think this is a problem that affects only inner cities? If you answered yes, you couldn't be more wrong. Data indicates that adolescent drug use is a problem that cuts across all geographic, socioeconomic, racial, and ethnic boundaries in American society. It is a problem for all of us, and we all need to be a part of the solution.

In response to the problem, the White House Office of National Drug Control Policy developed the National Youth Anti-Drug Media Campaign. The Campaign is a five-year initiative dedicated to reducing youth drug use in America by targeting middle-school-aged adolescents (approximately 11-13 years old) and their parents. Anti-drug advertisements, which have been running during prime time, are a visible part of the Campaign. Other elements include building relationships with the entertainment industry, tapping into the power of the Internet, public education efforts, and building community partnerships.

While the national effort is in full motion, it will not succeed without community involvement and support. As a community, we have a responsibility to further and enhance the efforts of the Campaign to protect our kids against the dangers of drugs. That is why Employee & Family Resources® has joined forces with the White House Office of National Drug Control Policy and why we are encouraging you to do the same.

We must work together to develop and implement effective anti-drug programs in Polk County. Employee & Family Resources is committed to providing critical local support and resources for Campaign events and initiatives. The possibilities are endless for reinforcing the Campaign's messages in our neighbor­hoods, schools, churches, and synagogues.

As parents and concerned citizens, we make the real difference in the prevention of youth substance abuse. Even with strong peer and social pressures, parents are the most important and long-lasting influence in children's lives. So, encourage community organizations to take action on this issue. Take the time to get involved. It is a decision that you will never regret and our nation's youth deserve nothing less.

For information on how to get involved call the National Clearinghouse for Alcohol and Drug Information at (800) 729-6686 (TDD (800) 487-4889). Information for teens can be accessed on the World Wide Web at www.freevibe.com .