Drug abuse is a horrific problem across the country and, yes, even here in Escambia County.

To raise awareness, local groups have come together to present a program — Drugs Erase Dreams — in area high schools. The message draws on the expertise of people who are in the fight to save people from losing their dreams or their lives.

Efforts began just after the first of this year to plan the “Drugs Erase Dreams” activities for this academic year in our schools. The final events for this academic year are now scheduled to begin in March, and speakers include Judges Bradley Byrne, Dave Jordan, Jeff White, Denisee Carlee and members of the Escambia County Drug Task Force.

In addition to the basic information about the many types of drugs now being trafficked to our young people, the speakers will provide in depth behavioral factors that young people need to have monitored on a daily basis. The events will be held at 6 p.m. on:

• March 17 at W.S. Neal High School;

• March 18 at Flomaton High School, with a special tailgating event for the student body; and,

• March 19 at T.R. Miller High School.

Everyone is invited to attend this meeting to help educate the public in the problems with drugs in our county. One can’t spend an evening in a better way than to invest in the future of our children and youth.

Ruth Harrell
Chairperson, Coalition for a Healthier Escambia County