Kids in the California Central Coast are Getting a Real Education on Drugs

Santa Cruz County unites to do something effective about the drug problem in the community. Several groups are stepping up and working together, including Narconon Vista Bay, the Santa Cruz County Meth Project and Pajaro Valley Unified School District.

Watsonville, CA (PRWEB) January 2, 2008 -- Solving the problems of drug and alcohol abuse involves much more than providing an exceptional rehab program, it involves educating people before they become addicted. That's why a major focus of the Narconon Vista Bay team has been on reaching out and helping the community in the Central Coast region of California.

Narconon Vista Bay Logo

As we worked with more and more community groups, one thing became clear

A community "Truth About Drugs" campaign was launched that had teams manning booths at a series of carnivals and the Santa Cruz County Fair. Over 1,500 people were personally given a copy of the booklet "The Truth About Drugs." The community was extremely happy to have Narconon as a part of the effort and invited the organization to work side-by-side with their campaigns. Ongoing partnerships were formed with the Santa Cruz County Sherrifs Department, the Santa Cruz County Meth Project, and Pajaro Valley Unified School District.

"As we worked with more and more community groups, one thing became clear," said Rodrigo Ubillus, the Senior Director of Expansion for Narconon Vista Bay. "People are looking for real answers to the drug problem. They want our help badly, the problem is big and takes a big team effort. That's why we're so committed to getting the word out."

Narconon kicked off by delivering drug education seminars to approximately 1,000 school children in a three day period. It is continuing with invitations being made to all local schools in the area to have drug education a part of their student experience. The feedback from students, teachers, administrators and supporters has been excellent, as evidenced by surveys.

The common theme from the surveys is that Narconon delivers a very real, interactive and informative drug education lecture. One female high school student noted: "It is great to have someone who speaks to us like adults and doesn't tell us what to do, but informs us of the real dangers of drugs and tells us that it is up to us to make the right choice. It gave us a sense of power and responsibility. It was a different and enlightening experience".

Support for the lectures have started rolling in. "A number of local people have stepped-up and made donations so these programs can be made available to schools at no cost," said Ubillus. "They are making a significant contribution to the long-term health of the community."

Narconon Vista Bay is planning even more activity in the area to further reach people who need the "Truth About Drugs." For more information on how you can become involved or to speak about a drug education lecture in your area, please call 1-800-556-8885 or visit the website at www.DrugRehab.net.

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