2008 Annual Report - West Virginia Army National Guard - U.S. Army

West Virginia National Guard Annual Report 2008
The Drug Demand Reduction Program
(DDR) provided support to more than 100
community-based organizations, educational
institutions, and coalitions throughout West
Virginia, including the West Virginia
Department of Education, National
Guard Family Readiness Groups,
and Boy Scouts of America. DDR
also supported KIDS KAMP, held at
Camp Dawson near Kingwood, for
dependents of West Virginia National
Guard members. The purpose of
this camp is to promote self-esteem,
leadership skills, and drug awareness
for children ages 9-15.
DDR successfully
implemented the substance abuse
prevention program
known as Stay On Track
(SOT) in two middle
schools in fiscal year
2008. Post instruction
surveys revealed
that 94% of students
intend to advocate
drug resistance to their
peers. Expansion into
five additional schools
is projected for 2009,
which is expected to reach over 2,500 middle
school students. This national program focuses
on reducing drug abuse by educating middle
school students in the 6th, 7th, and 8th grades
about the negative impact of drug use, enhancing
life skills, and promoting positive life choices.
DDR supports the McDowell County Tobacco
Prevention
Coalition; ATOD
(Alcohol, Tobacco,
and Other Drugs)
Prevention
Coalition;
F.A.C.E.S.
(Families,
Agencies, Children,
Enhancing,
Services), cosponsor
of the
Junior Special Forces youth
program; and the Adolescent Health
Initiative in their efforts to reduce
the demand for illegal drugs, alcohol,
and tobacco use among the youth of
West Virginia. For 2008, the total
audience reached was more than one
million individuals, which includes
individuals reached in conjunction
with Kanawha County Schools
Television.
The Drug Demand Reduction
Program co-sponsors “Your West
Virginia National Guard Today”
television program. This show is
broadcast once a month, and each one includes
anti-drug messages.
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