Most Easterly Newspaper Published in the United States
Vol. 37, No. 10
Published the 2nd & 4th Fridays of each month
Lubec searches for answers to youth drug abuse
by Norma Harrop
New community approaches to reinforce youth attainment of healthy lifestyles were proposed at a recent open forum attended by more than 100 citizens representing a cross-section of efforts to counter drug abuse among children and teens of the Lubec area. Held at the Lubec Town Office, the forum was chaired by Selectman Bill Daye, with Mike Crabtree of the Maine Drug Enforcement Agency as keynote speaker. Joining residents, parents, municipal, business and other local group leaders were official spokesmen for overall community welfare. Among these were representatives of the clergy as well as of agencies whose goals focus on safety, health, education and economic advancement.
Proposals were many regarding improved supportive services for youth. They related to increased active involvement by the county sheriff's department, the fire department, and such drug control programs as those mounted by MADD, DARE and the Fatal Vision project that tests driving skills. Networking with such groups was advocated. Greater participation by the school's student council was urged. Reference was also made to the new Machias and Calais-based drug counselling programs of the Regional Medical Center at Lubec, and the soon to open Discovery House in Calais, affiliated with RMCL, that will provide methadone treatment and counseling. Several at the meeting proposed what one called a three-pronged solution: education, treatment, enforcement. All agreed with the statement of a local business owner, "The family is critical. We need to educate parents." Another rephrased the same sentiment, "It
all starts at home." Still another reminded the audience that students should also know of resource persons available and be encouraged to call them if reluctant to talk over problems with parents. Another speaker summed up, "We need strong police, school, and community support, and we need an elevated economy."
It was noted that activities for children have lessened with the loss of Scouts and Little League locally. A teacher suggested home economics or other more diversified after©school activities be considered to supplement athletics and more directly reflect students' widely varied interests and skills. It was pointed out that the school offers no drug control program per se, and a counsellor comes just once a month. However, a spokesman reported that the initial wake-up call enactment at the school that graphically depicted a student's death from drunk driving proved a positive influence on the entire student body and will be repeated this year.
A follow-up problem-solving session was held at the school April 6
to allow for even greater attendance by community members. "Bring
someone. Bring ideas," said Daye. Both meetings were taped and
shown on Lubec's public access TV channel 60.
Proposals were many regarding improved supportive services for youth. They related to increased active involvement by the county sheriff's department, the fire department, and such drug control programs as those mounted by MADD, DARE and the Fatal Vision project that tests driving skills. Networking with such groups was advocated. Greater participation by the school's student council was urged. Reference was also made to the new Machias and Calais-based drug counselling programs of the Regional Medical Center at Lubec, and the soon to open Discovery House in Calais, affiliated with RMCL, that will provide methadone treatment and counseling. Several at the meeting proposed what one called a three-pronged solution: education, treatment, enforcement. All agreed with the statement of a local business owner, "The family is critical. We need to educate parents." Another rephrased the same sentiment, "It
all starts at home." Still another reminded the audience that students should also know of resource persons available and be encouraged to call them if reluctant to talk over problems with parents. Another speaker summed up, "We need strong police, school, and community support, and we need an elevated economy."
It was noted that activities for children have lessened with the loss of Scouts and Little League locally. A teacher suggested home economics or other more diversified after©school activities be considered to supplement athletics and more directly reflect students' widely varied interests and skills. It was pointed out that the school offers no drug control program per se, and a counsellor comes just once a month. However, a spokesman reported that the initial wake-up call enactment at the school that graphically depicted a student's death from drunk driving proved a positive influence on the entire student body and will be repeated this year.
A follow-up problem-solving session was held at the school April 6
to allow for even greater attendance by community members. "Bring
someone. Bring ideas," said Daye. Both meetings were taped and
shown on Lubec's public access TV channel 60.
