KNOWLEDGE KEY TO BE DRUG FREE

As a resident of Hamilton and a volunteer involved in the fight against
drug and alcohol abuse, I would appreciate your attention and public
recognition of the employees and volunteers of the local agencies offering
services in this area. They include the Alcohol and Chemical Abuse Council,
Alcohol and Drug Addiction Services Board, Horizon Center, Sojourner Home
and the SOS Hall. Their work, dedication and eagerness to combat this
serious problem in our community is outstanding and deserving of recognition.

This year, these agencies, in conjunction with local schools and volunteers
from the Elks Lodge, have collaborated and organized a series of public
programs during the week of April 22 to heighten overall awareness of
substance abuse issues and recruit new volunteers. In its seventh year, the
week known as Substance Awareness Week has become a programming fixture and
insight of hope. Two years ago, the Ohio Department of Alcohol and Drug
Addictions Services named this project the Exemplary Substance Abuse
Prevention Program for the state of Ohio.

Substance Abuse Awareness Week has grown and improved each year and this
year covers and gives so much to all of us. The fight to prevent drug and
alcohol abuse continues to be one that so many are trying their best to
lessen the devastating effects, and this week should help that fight greatly.

Knowledge is the key to be drug free, I believe. These dedicated
individuals conducting this project are spreading that knowledge across our
communities more effectively every day. I commend them and thank them all
greatly for helping provide a better place for us all.

Cynthia Schroeder

Hamilton