BOYS & GIRLS CLUB TAKES METH PROGRAM TO SCHOOLS

Armed with a state grant, the Boys & Girls Clubs of Northern Arizona
have begun presenting a methamphetamine prevention program in the
Sedona and Cottonwood schools.

The clubs have been presenting the nationally acclaimed MethSMART
program in West Sedona and Big Park elementary schools in Sedona and
Mingus High School in Cottonwood over five weeks.

The program moves to Cottonwood Middle School and Oak Creek School next week.

The six-week program was made possible by the Legislature
appropriating and the governor approving $500,000 for Curriculum
Based Meth Prevention for Youth in 2006.

Jody Diamond, executive director of the Northern Arizona Boys & Girls
Clubs, says, "during the first three months of MethSMART, starting in
October 2006, over 1,400 youth have participated in the school
programs through the Northern Arizona Boys and Girls Clubs in the
Verde Valley and the Central Arizona clubs in West Yavapai County."

MethSMART incorporates current research about problems confronting
young people and provides viable solutions to help them handle
challenging circumstances while avoiding risky and unhealthy
behaviors. By including parent and staff educational pieces,
MethSMART successfully makes the prevention of methamphetamine abuse
a team effort for those adults involved in the child's life.

Diamond says a Pre-test and Post-test are given to each student. "It
shows good retention" of the information given. "Students are able to
describe what meth does to the body and brain and identify its ingredients."

She says students are also able to identify three people they can go
"to help in making good decisions."

The program has four components for different age groups. Six to 9
year olds participate in sessions addressing problem solving; how to
say no to peer pressure and an introduction to drugs that harm with
emphasis on methamphetamine and their effects. Youth ages 10 to 13
participate in sessions on avoiding peer and media pressure; facts on
methamphetamine and its effects on the body and mind; refusal
techniques; and support systems.

Teens ages 14 to 18 participate in sessions that deal with avoiding
peer and media pressure; how methamphetamine affect the body and
mind; refusal techniques; case studies of methamphetamine users;
support systems; and self esteem and goal setting. The fourth
component of the MethSMART program is for parents. A parent handbook
will be available explaining the program and offering activities to
begin family dialogue.

Diamond is also a partner in MATForce, the Yavapai County
Methamphetamine Task Force that is presenting 15 informational forums
across Yavapai County on meth and its physical and social affects.

Boys & Girls Clubs of America's nationally acclaimed SMART Moves
prevention program has been helping young people avoid four of the
most immediate threats to their well being: alcohol, tobacco, other
drugs, and premature sexual activity, since 1990. Arizona Clubs are
now becoming focused on the growing threat of methamphetamine abuse
to members, and have decided to take action as part of the Arizona
Alliance of Boys & Girls Clubs.