PROGRAM ENCOURAGES STUDENTS TO RESIST PRESSURES OF DRUGS AND ALCOHOL

An international education program that encourages students to resist the
pressure to experiment with alcohol and other illicit drugs is once again
being held in Mayerthorpe.

"The D.A.R.E. (Drug Abuse Resistance Education) program is designed to help
students recognize and resist the many direct and subtle pressures that
influence them to experiment with alcohol, tobacco, marijuana, inhalants,
other drugs, or to engage in violence," said Cst. Wendy Hanna with the
Mayerthorpe RCMP.

"The program focuses on building self-esteem and understanding both the
positive and negative consequences of ones actions."

Through the program Grade 6 students are encouraged to participate in
positive alternative activities that will keep them away from drugs and
violence.

According to Cst Hanna, one of the highlights of the program is a session
where the D.A.R.E. students question a panel of high school role models
about their experiences with drugs and violence.

"This session enforces the idea that it is more than acceptable to say 'No'
to offers of drugs or situations that make one feel uncomfortable," said
Cst. Hana.

The 17 week program is taught by a certified uniformed police officer.

The D.A.R.E. program was test piloted and implemented in Los Angeles in
1983. The D.A.R.E. program is now offered in 43 countries around the world.

This is the second year the program, which has been in Canada since 1992.,
has been offered in Mayerthorpe. Last year 53 Mayerthorpe students
successfully completed the program under the instruction of Cst. Hanna.
This year's program involves 77 Grade 6 students from Mayerthorpe and Sangudo.

A D.A.R.E. Parent program is also scheduled to be offered in the new year.

This program will focus on effective communication, drug abuse prevention,
youth pressures, and conflict resolution for parents.

"The goal is to assist in developing better skills to interact with
children, learn about peer pressures, identifying signs, and reducing the
risks of potential substance abuse and violent behavior," said Cst. Hanna.

The program will consist of six two-hour sessions held evenings or weekends.

According to Cst. Hanna priority will be given to parents of current
D.A.R.E. students, but all interested parents are welcome to attend.

Cst. Hanna will be attending a training season for the D.A.R.E. Parent
program in the new year and hopes to begin instruction in the Mayerthorpe
area in February or March of 2000.

While Cst. Hanna has received 80 per cent of the funding necessary for her
to attend the program training in Los Angeles, she is still looking for
donations. Any interested supporters should contact Cst. Hanna at the
Mayerthorpe RCMP, 786-2291. Donations are tax deductible.