DRUG AWARENESS SEMINAR HELPFUL

Illegal drugs know no geographic boundaries. They are just as liable to
show up in the highest priced neighborhood as they are the lowest. They
make no racial distinction, or age, or gender.

And they certainly don't gravitate toward only one church denomination,
they know all denominations.

That's the reason that the First Baptist Church of Talladega is presenting
a non-denominational drug awareness seminar this Sunday at 6 p.m. "What you
hear might save your child's life," promoters of the event proclaim.

And they are right. Armed with the proper knowledge, community members have
a fighting chance to win the elusive war on drugs.

Talladega Circuit Judge Julian King requested the seminar because from his
vantage point on the bench, he regularly sees "the destruction caused by
drugs in our community."

He and other officials, like District Attorney Steve Giddens, Sheriff Jerry
Studdard and Narcotics Deputy Capt. Cary Ward, know that they cannot fight
the war on drugs by themselves. It is a community problem, and it will take
a community to solve it.

The seminar is aimed at fifth graders and up to teens and adults and could
be especially effective for both parent and child.

Dr. Clay Davis, Carol Hudson, whose only son died of an Oxy-contin
overdose, and drug agent Mike Reese will headline the seminar, telling
those attending about their experiences.

The headlines of drug abuse and drug-related crimes have become all too
common. It's time to turn this growing trend around.

A solid first step is starting young to raise awareness.