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Dear Editor,
We would like to commend the citizens of Indianola for their obvious concern about what they believe is a growing drug problem in their community. Their concerns were outlined in a story that appeared in the Tuesday, March 15 edition of the McCook Gazette, "Meth effort -- Indianola citizens seek help controlling drugs."
Project Extra Mile also is also concerned about the health and well-being of our youth. We are a statewide network of community coalitions working to keep young people away from their number one drug of choice -- alcohol.
As the community steps up its efforts in the fight against meth, we hope it will also renew its commitment to underage drinking prevention. Research shows that most young people start with alcohol before trying other illicit drugs, such as marijuana and methamphetamine. Every single day, 7,000 young people under age 16 take their first drink of alcohol. Law enforcement officers work hard to keep alcohol out of the hands of our young people, but they can't do it alone.
Parents and other adults need to take a stand and recognize the harm and detrimental effects that alcohol has on youth and the consequences that can follow when providing alcohol to minors. Law enforcement should be encouraged to continue to enforce the state's youth alcohol laws: zero tolerance, minor in possession/consumption, procuring for minors, and sales to minors.
By working together, we can significantly influence many young lives and truly make a difference in the community.
Sincerely,
Diane Riibe
Executive Director,
Project Extra Mile
11606 Nicholas St.
Omaha, NE 68154