DRUG AWARENESS COMMITTEE GETS PROGRAM FUNDS

The Lambton Drug Awareness Committee will continue its student social
drama program, thanks to a $1,500 grant from the Ontario Association
of Chiefs of Police (OACP).

The peer-to-peer program, "Students Acting Against Drugs," allows
high school students to write and direct their own production about
substance abuse, and perform for elementary school students in Grades
7 and 8.

Last year, the program kicked off at SCITS, where more than 500
students from seven elementary schools participated.

This year, drama students at LCCVI will take the stage.

"Drama is a powerful tool to convey the message," said Terry
Easterby, health promotions officer at the Community Health Services
Department, and secretary for the committee.

Easterby said he developed the awareness program to target students
effectively and early.

A 2005 Ontario Student Drug Use Survey found the most common drug
used by students is alcohol (62 per cent) while 26 per cent of
students report using marijuana.

"Substance abuse is showing up at an earlier age, so its essential we
provide information in the most effective manner," Easterby said. The
show takes place during National Drug Awareness Week, Nov. 18 to 24.

After the performance, senior students open the floor for a question
and answer period about the risks and consequences of substance abuse

"I think it really opens the eyes of these kids," said Easterby.
"There's this perception that everyone is doing drugs and drinking,
but that's just not the case."