LOCAL ANTI-DRUG COALITION GETS GRANT

Money used to combat alcohol, substance abuse

Skyrocketing drug related indictments in Rockingham County have
raised alarms in local schools signaling the need to beef up
prevention, intervention, and treatment programs for community youth.
That process has just been made easier thanks to a 5-year, $100,000 a
year federal grant received by the Sanborn/Timberlane Regional Safe
and Drug Free Communities Coalition.

Executive Director Andrea Bonner announced the grant award at the
coalition's quarterly meeting on Wednesday at Timberlane Regional
High School. Bonner said the money will be used to support
collaborative efforts to reduce alcohol and other substance abuse
among people in the communities of Kingston, Newton, Fremont,
Plaistow, Atkinson, Danville, Sandown and Hampstead.

Part of the grant money will also be used to fund the position of
recent hire Jennifer Selfridge who will serve in the newly created
position of coordinator.

Selfridge, who has been involved in drug prevention in the New
England area for over 20 years, said she is thrilled to be part of
Sanborn/Timberlane's efforts to reduce alcohol and drug abuse in the community.

"I think it is possible to make real change and I look forward to
facilitating all the good work that is already in progress," said Selfridge.

The Coalition is a partnership among youth, parents, school, elected
officials and law enforcement in the Sanborn/Timberlane school
districts which works to help young people make healthy choices and
to provide services and resources who struggle with drug and alcohol
abuse issues.

Various coalition sponsored activities include tobacco prevention and
control program, parent support groups and resources, drug and
alcohol recovery groups and peer outreach groups. The coalition also
runs a program called Making Change, an anonymous, confidential group
facilitated by a professional counselor. The group helps young people
seeking to change unhealthy behaviors. The group meets Monday
afternoons from 3 to 4 p.m. at the Sad Cafe in Plaistow.

Coalition board member Dick Gerrish emphasized that the majority of
crimes are drug related. "Punishment alone won't do it," said
Gerrish. "We need to address the other piece and that is prevention
and treatment."

State Rep. John Flanders of Kingston, who attended the meeting, said
he felt the coalition was "doing better and better work all the
time." Flanders said he supported programs for youth and parents.

"We can't just blame the kids. The parents have to take more
responsibility for these teenagers who get involved in drugs. Some
parents are not doing their job," said Flanders.

Tim Lena, coalition chair and the Student Assistance Program
Coordinator for Timberlane, acknowledged the work of Friends of
Rachel, Sanborn Regional High School student-led organization that
encourages friendship, respect and inclusion.

Lena also noted that although the participating school districts have
seen a decrease in risky behavior over the past few years, recently
there are signs of increased use of inhalants, prescription and
over-the-counter drug abuse by students.

"Kids think that because these substances are legal, that they are
not dangerous," Lena said.

Membership in the coalition is open and new members are encouraged to
get involved. Anyone wanting more information on the coalition's many
resources can contact visit the Sad Cafe's Web site at
www.thesadcafe.com or call Bonner at 382-8893.