TCADA PROMOTES DRUG AWARENESS, PREVENTION

The Texas Commission on Alchol and Drug Abuse (TCADA) has funded a
substance abuse, prevention and intervention pilot program in the Big Bend
region, servicing area youth since May 2003.

The program falls under the management of the Permian Basin Community
Centers and is called "Manos Que Ayudan," Spanish for "Helping Hands," and
mainly targets kids ages 7 to 17 who are at risk for substance use or
abuse. The program is only one of two in the state so far with granted
funds from TCADA.

"TCADA recognized a need for services in this area," said program Director
Sonny Blake.

A licensed chemical dependency counselor for over eight years, Blake said
reasons why the Big Bend Region is considered at risk include a lack of
recreational activities and proximity to the Mexican border. He added that
the program's outreach encompasses Brewster, Fort Davis, Presidio,
Culberson and Hudspeth counties.

"We're working in each county," Blake said, "and we have substance abuse
prevention specialists working with the school districts and juvenile
probation offices."

Blake said the prevention program curriculum is a scientifically proven
program compiled by the Centers for Substance Abuse, a national authority
on drug and alcohol prevention and intervention. Blake also said the
program branches off into two initiatives to better serve the youth of this
area.

The Reconnecting Youth program targets teens in grades 9-12, and focuses on
indicators such as poor or falling grades and attendance, mood and
behavioral problems and self-esteem issues. The Positive Actions program is
structured for children in grades 1-8 and strives to build high
self-esteem, open communication, positive behavior and substance abuse
education.

Aside from going to schools and showing presentations on drug awareness,
Blake said they are in the process of setting up an after school youth
center where they can offer youth a positive alternative to substance use
or risky activities.

"Our main goal is to get kids into looking at having fun and creating a
life-style that is free from alcohol and drugs," Blake said.

Blake emphasized that the program also helps parents, who can contact his
office for help with their children if they suspect drug use or abuse.
"We're available to do crisis intervention," Blake said. "It's voluntary,
and it's free."

The "Manos Que Ayudan" office is open Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to
5 p.m. and can be reached by calling 432-837-3003.