OFFICIALS SAY ALCOHOL USE PERSISTS FOR LOCAL YOUTHS

Recent surveys show youth alcohol and drug use is on the decline, but the
trend hasn't been noticed at Connecting Point, the local family-support
social agency's lead therapist said during a taping of The Editors.

"We see a lot of kids," said Truman Claytor, who with the agency's chief
executive officer, Jeff Deckebach, discussed the issue with Marilou
Johanek, of The Blade editorial board.

The program will be broadcast at 9 tonight on WGTE-TV, Channel 30, and at
12:30 p.m. Sunday on WBGU-TV, Channel 30.

Mr. Claytor said alcohol consumption, especially, remained "a very severe
problem" among area youngsters.

"Kids start using alcohol at age 10. Alcohol is one of the most dangerous
drugs out there," Mr. Claytor explained, adding that young people using
alcohol "move on to harder drugs, like marijuana."

Mr. Deckebach underscored the severity of the problem: "Twenty percent of
our high school kids across [Lucas County] are telling us that they
binge-drink at least once a month."

Connecting Point began operating in 1974. Until 10 years ago, it was
strictly a shelter for runaways at 3301 Collingwood Blvd. Since then, it
has grown exponentially, and currently has a staff of 210 working out of
seven facilities across Toledo and a budget of $8 million.

The agency's programs include treatment for mental problems and substance
abuse as well as residential care for children. Many of its referrals come
from the schools and the courts, Mr. Deckebach said.

Fees are charged on a sliding scale according to family income. Nobody is
turned away because of an inability to pay. Connecting Point sees about
1,200 children a year, the chief executive officer said.

To raise funds, the agency has scheduled a Valentine's Day raffle for Feb.
14 and a golf outing at Heather Downs Country Club for June 13.