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