Work together to promote health

To the editor:
October was National Substance Abuse Prevention Month as designated by President Obama in 2011.
During the month, parents, youth leaders, schools and community leaders throughout the country strive to provide programs to youth and adults on the effects substance abuse has on everyone. Through school programs and convocations in our local area, students and youth were informed on the adverse effects drugs and alcohol can have on their young lives and the lives of those around them. By providing youth with information about substance abuse and the negative consequences that come along with it, the hope is that the information will prevent the damage drugs and alcohol can do before it even happens.
And though the month of October is over, we as a community need to still be vigilant and promote safe and healthy communities. Substance abuse knows no boundaries and is not grounded to a certain race, social class or age limit. Its effects are not just limited to those who use and abuse substances and alcohol, but it also affects the lives of those around them and their community. According to the 2013 National Survey on Drug Use and Health (NSDUH), it is shown that for the population aged 12 and older in America, 9.4 percent have used an illicit drug and marijuana was stated as the most used. From the ages of 12 to 17, 7.1 percent of youth used marijuana, and that number was shown to be on a continuing increase since 2011. Alcohol, another substance strongly abused and used in our community and surrounding area, was shown to be used by 52.2 percent currently in ages 12 and older. Among youth ages 12 to 17, almost three million American youths are current alcohol users.
Our local law enforcement officers and community educators take tremendous time to tailor the information they present to youth about the negative effect alcohol and drugs can have on themselves and on those around them. Most notable in our community is the Red Ribbon Week that is sponsored in our school district. Young members of our community learn the effects that alcohol and drugs can have on their lives and the lives of those around them. Local law enforcement officers desire to give as much information on the negative side effects of substance abuse and use of alcohol as a youth, without giving the youth a gateway to drugs and alcohol. There is a fine line with this concept and law enforcement officers can only do so much. The real battle starts at home and with families.
Our peers and family members have a huge impact on our actions and decision making. But before one can inform youth or family members about substance abuse and use effects and negative consequences, we much first know the facts and the Drug Enforcement Administration is striving to do just that. The Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) has launched a website — http://www.getsmartaboutdrugs.com — for parents, educators and caregivers to gain information on the use of marijuana and drugged driving, how to identify drug paraphernalia and other helpful topics on the war on drugs in our communities.
It is an effective tool to combat these issues. With this useful knowledge, family members and all those in our community can create positive turnaround on stopping the increase in substance use in our area and help keep drugs out of our schools and off the streets. This is a combined effort by all those in this community: parents, community leaders, law enforcement officers and also youth. Together we can help promote healthy living and a drug free world and Jay County.
Brianne Wellman
Jay County Drug Prevention Coalition