NURSES STUDY DRUG ABUSE PREVENTION

Three nurses from local school districts recently participated in a national
program on substance abuse prevention. The program involves intensive
training on strategies of early detection methods and treatment.

Julia Gilstrap of Water Valley ISD, JaJean Johnston of Grape Creek ISD and
Ramona Hasty of Sterling City ISD traveled to New Brunswick, N.J., for the
Johnson & Johnson fellowship program. The annual program is conducted by the
Center for Alcohol Studies, a part of the The Rutgers Institute of Alcohol
and Drug Studies Program at Rutgers University.

Thirty-two nurses from the United States, Kenya and Colombia took part.

Topics of the program included legal issues regarding alcohol and drugs in
schools, and adolescent alcohol and drug treatment and recovery. The program
also included information on mental health issues, obesity and children, the
role of communication in alcohol and drug use, and the evolution of
treatment.