PILOT PROGRAM TO TARGET DRUG PREVENTION

Pupils at Stewart Elementary School this fall will take part in a pilot
program for Toledo Public Schools that aims to bring a holistic approach to
preventing drug, alcohol, and tobacco abuse.

Rather than simply providing information about drugs, alcohol, and tobacco,
the LifeSkills Training program, which is used in 3,000 schools across the
nation, attempts to get at more comprehensive issues to reduce high-risk
behavior.

"Drug use is not a cognitive issue alone. It's a social and emotional
issue," said Dr. Celia Williamson, an assistant professor of social work at
the University of Toledo whose students helped propose the program for the
elementary school. The program teaches self-management skills and general
social skills.

The central-city elementary was targeted for the program because it is one
of the few in the district that does not already have a drug prevention
program. The three-year program would begin with either third or
fourth-graders, Dr. Williamson said.

"I am remarkably excited about it," said Principal Debra Weaver. "By not
giving them information, we are leaving a hole for them to experiment."

The hope is to bring the program, developed by a Cornell University
professor, to other schools in the district if it proves successful, Dr.
Williamson said. The cost is estimated at $5,600, and more than half of
that will come from the Toledo Youth Commission. The rest will come from
city council or private fund-raising, Toledo Councilman Michael Ashford said.