Community Drug Prevention

Sponsor Organization: Office of National Drug Control Policy
Campaign Website: www.helpyourcommunity.org
Volunteer Agency: Avrett Free Ginsberg

In the past four years, there has been a 19% decline in the number of young people who reported using illicit drugs.  However, the reported abuse of presciption drugs and inhalants has increased.*  Preventing drug abuse is a daunting job, but studies have shown that the greatest positive difference is made when individuals and community groups get involved in the lives of young people in their cities and towns.  It's proven that kids who are involved in extracurricular or afterschool activities are less likely to use drugs.

The campaign launched in August 2000 and it is designed to increase the public's awareness of, and participation in, community coalitions that provide activities and support for the youth in their neighborhoods. The ads seek to motivate adults to volunteer, coach or mentor to keep kids active, off the streets and away from drugs. The message is that everyone has something to offer in order to be a positive influence on the kids in their community.

All of the PSAs direct audiences to visit www.helpyourcommunity.org,  or call a toll-free number, 1-877-KIDS-313, to find local opportunities to get involved. The website connects visitors to anti-drug coalitions and other national youth-oriented organizations that have local chapters.

* The University of Michigan 2005 Monitoring the Future report.  Survey of students in eighth, tenth and twelfth grades on their drug use habits of the past month.