BATTLING DRUG PROBLEMS IN WALKER

The Walker County Chamber of Commerce and LaFayette Elks Lodge have
launched a drug awareness program for middle schoolers. For the
Chamber, the next step may be a program for local industry.

LaFayette Elks Lodge No. 2018 last week co-sponsored a drug awareness
presentation, "The Power of One," with the Walker County Chamber at
LaFayette Middle School.

"Since the DARE (Drug Abuse Resistance Education) program is focusing
on elementary schools, the Chamber plans to focus on (local) middle
schools," Chamber president Joanna Jackson said.

A motivational company from Texas gave the presentation.

"They use inspirational real-life stories and dynamic visuals,"
Jackson said. "They also demonstrate the power students have to make a
difference."

Topics include self-respect, self-confidence, leadership,
determination, focus, positive and negative choices, drugs and
alcohol, boundaries and limits, reckless behavior, dedication and success.

"They hope that the students can learn that their choices can make a
profound difference in their world and community when they properly
exercise 'The Power of One,'" Jackson said. "They use selected
real-life stories to capture the imagination of students. They talk
about what difference one person can make."

The Chamber of Commerce is also considering the Drugs Don't Work
program, which focuses on educating industry workers on the negative
effects of drugs.

"I have to have the Chamber board of directors' approval on this
program first," Jackson said. "Chuck Wade, the state director for the
Drugs Don't Work program, will be sending me more information and will
give a presentation to my board."

The program, if implemented, will save industries up to 7 percent on
workman 's compensation insurance.

"The company signs on to be a certified drug-free workplace," Jackson
said. "There are certain requirements that industries have to meet."

Out of the 100 Chambers of Commerce in Georgia, 57 are participants of
the Drugs Don't Work program.

"It's not only a good benefit to businesses and Chamber members, but
it is also something good for our community as well," Jackson said.
"One requirement is employers must provide drug education to employees
through a seminar or pamphlet."

Jackson hopes that through making more businesses drug free, employees
will go home and pass on the drug awareness education to their
children, which is another step in preventive measures.

"I feel like it would be beneficial to the community," Jackson said.
"It is something we are looking into."