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SAN JUAN ISLAND EVENT |
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Email this page to a friend Related pagesTeen found guilty of two counts of rape Ryan Lobue killed in car/bicycle crash A message and a tribute from Ryan's mom 72-hour deadline waived, charges remain in effect Letters remembering Matt McCutcheon | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Community forum about drug problems on San Juan Islandposted 04/25/05
The purpose is to increase community awareness of the drug/alcohol problems on San Juan Island amongst youth and to increase community collaboration efforts towards reducing substance use in our youth. Objectives:
Snacks will be provided. Feds give $93K to fight drug abuse on San Juan Islandposted 10/04/04
"As a parent, I know the value of educating our nation's young people about substance abuse and healthy choices," Larsen said. "This grant will allow the San Juan Island Prevention Coalition to build on its efforts to make our communities safer and drug-free." "Specifically, the coalition will now be able to hire an executive coordinator and begin an after-school program," Larsen stated. "I will continue to urge the federal government to partner with community organizations like the San Juan Island Prevention Coalition to bolster grassroots anti-drug efforts that are empowering residents to make healthier choices." The coalition was founded in 2002 after a series of substance abuse related accidents in San Juan County. Because of active participation from the community, the coalition expanded in the spring of 2003 to include a Student Prevention Coalition. John Manning, Director of Health and Community Services in San Juan County, agreed with Larsen. "Coalition members have been working hard to involve the entire community in reducing the drug and alcohol problems on this island," Manning said. "Receiving this grant recognizes their hard work and provides the opportunity to take the next steps to a safer, healthier community." The grant was one of 226 new grants totaling $21.9 million awarded to community anti-drug coalitions across the country. In addition to government grant money, the San Juan Family Resources Center and the United Way also contribute funding to the coalition that receives no funding from the state. Larsen represents Washington's 2nd Congressional District that includes San Juan County. Larsen co-chairs the Congressional Caucus to Fight and Control Methamphetamine. In the House of Representatives he works to increase the federal support for local efforts to stop the use and production of methamphetamine and other drugs. Report on substance abuse presented May 19posted 05/06/04
The report will be presented by student members of the Coalition and will be followed by a student panel responding to questions on their own experiences with drug and alcohol issues. The public forum is co-sponsored by the San Juan Island School District and also includes students from Spring Street School and the home-schooled. A brief meeting of coalition members will precede the forum at 6:00 p.m. Coalition welcomes ideas to "Change community norms"By Sharon Kivisto | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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posted 09/24/03
An example of the culture that needed to change was given by one participant. She said a mother on San Juan Island told her about students she let drink in her house last weekend. The mother was proud of them because none of them drove after they drank. Some went home in a taxi, the others stayed overnight. |
Send in your commentsposted 09/24/03
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San Juan Island School District Superintendent Michael Soltman said it would help "if we all had similar and clear expectations and similar and clear consequences involving drug and alcohol use." Support of the police force and families was necessary. "A lot of the culture has to come from the parents," he said. Under state law, an adult who provides alcohol to minors can be charged with furnishing alcohol. The charge is a gross misdemeanor. Sheriff BIll Cumming said, "My view re enforcement, everybody is on board until it is their kid. Then they circle the wagons." He noted the rancor and dissension which is already bubbling up regarding the LoBue crash.
Another participant mentioned a poster bearing a photo of Ryan with the words Don't Drink and Drive was on display at Entertainment Tonight. Placing posters everywhere alcohol is sold was suggested. Key rings with Ryan's photo were also mentioned as a tool to spread awareness. The group is hoping to solicit more ideas from the community. Parents discussed putting together lists of other parents who share the same expectations about minors not drinking alcohol or using other drugs. A problem unique to the island community is the intermingling of age groups at parties. One woman said, "They are all going to the same parties. Fourteen-year-olds partying with others up to 24 years of age." The result is easier access to alcohol and sexual exploitation, she said. Teaching students how to handle situations where alcohol and other drugs are being used was another method of helping solve the problem. While no decisions were made, it was agreed there was no one answerand an approach which included a variety of means to raise awareness was needed. The group plans to meet again. | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Coalition to tackle substance abuseposted 07/25/02
Emphasizing preventive measures is part of the plan. Direct measures include seatbelt use and designated drivers. Other more indirect measures include providing more places to go and things to do. A bowling alley was mentioned as an example. Harrison told the Board of County Commissioners about the coalition during their July 22, 2002 meeting. She cited a report written by Wendy Stephens in 2001 about drug including alcohol use by high school students as evidence of the need for action. A sampling of the report's results are listed below.
The coalition is looking for more members. In addition to Harrison and Critchfield, the coalition includes:
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