RALLY AGAINST DRUG ABUSES

Usually binational, but not so this year

EL PASO -- About 150 people -- youngsters and adults -- danced and
mingled Saturday morning in a Western Playland parking lot to raise
awareness about drug abuse.

The Rio Grande Safe Communities Coalition held its sixth annual
Bi-national Rally on the River in observation of International Day
Against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking

But it was not binational this year.

The event, which featured mariachis, music and several law enforcement
agencies and fire departments, was held at Western Playland instead of
its regular site on the border on El Paso's West Side because of
safety concerns.

The celebration began with speakers and music and ended with the
release of red, white and blue and green balloons to symbolize the
unity of Mexico and the United States.

For the past 10 years, the Safe Communities group has held a series of
events that educate the public about drug abuse and healthful living,
said Mary Ellen Hernandez, the coalition's executive director.

The event is supposed to unite El Paso, Las Cruces and Juarez, she
said.

"It was kind of sad because we couldn't celebrate with our partners in
Juarez this year," Hernandez said. "We had to move at the last minute
for safety reasons."

She said that in previous years the coalition was able to socialize
with Juarez residents and observe the day of awareness. She said
Juarez held its own event separately this year.

Angie Corral, co-president of the Binational Health Council for the
New Mexico Department of Health, said she also thought it was
unfortunate that the event could not be shared with Mexico.

"We are a border community, and the drug issue is a problem for both
sides," Corral said. "This is the day we celebrate, and it would have
been nice to do it with them."

Naomi Fahrenkrug, community health coordinator with the Office of
Border Health of Las Cruces, said she has witnessed the damage drug
addiction does to a person too many times.

"As a foster parent, some of the teens would come to me addicted to
different drugs," Fah renkrug said. "I have seen their struggles. The
thing we want to do is bring awareness and prevention of drugs."

Diana Apodaca, public information officer for the Drug Enforcement
Administration in El Paso, said officials hoped to educate the public
about drug abuse and attack the problem.

"We have a drug display unit so kids who have never seen drugs can ask
us about them in a safe, controlled setting," Apodaca said. "A lot of
people have stopped to look at them, even adults."

The display had tools, drugs and all types of medicines that people
might not suspect as harmful, Apodaca said. It is an educational tool.

Yessica Delgado, 13, said she came as a member of a youth smoke-free
group.

"I think this is a pretty cool event," she said. "I think we should be
more united; that way we won't get into more fights."