This item originally appeared in the Oct. 23, 2003, issue of The Tech Talk.

By TILISHA T. ALEXANDER

Staff Writer

The federal government granted the department of health and exercise sciences $200,000 in order to develop and implement a drug prevention program in both Lincoln and Union parishes for sixth-grade classes.

"We conducted a survey with students in Lincoln Parish and it was determined that alcohol, tobacco and antisocial behaviors were among the most prevalent issues acknowledged by the students," James Hemidal, head of the department of health and exercise sciences and an associate professor of health and physical education, said.

Hemidal said the results of the survey determined the selection of a science-based program that relies on student/parent relationships as well as peer leadership to reinforce classroom programs.

The program is titled "North Central Alliance Partners in Prevention" and is aimed at preventing many of the problems that today's young people face.

"The program actually began last fall to get the word out or to see how effective it would be," Hemidal said.

Armand Johnson, a senior graphic design major and a peer leader for the drug prevention program, said he looks forward to working with the children this year.

"The children were very aware of what was going on around them," Johnson said. "The parents and teachers are taking the necessary precautions to make sure students stay safe by allowing the students to be a part of the program."

Hemidal said the program is reaching about 800 students and family members in both Lincoln and Union parishes.

"We have two full-time health educators that we send to schools once a month for four months."

In the future, Tech students will visit high schools and teach students about drug prevention.

In September, the health and exercise science department trained student leaders, and now leaders are in classrooms of about 25 students.

Hemidal said, "This program will deplete the needs of young people who grow up in rural environments to do drugs."