Greene County sheriff’s office to implement DARE program in schools
In an effort to combat a growing drug problem in the area, the Greene County Sheriff’s Office has entered in to an agreement with all five county school districts to offer the DARE program in their schools.
The Drug Abuse Resistance Education program teaches students not only about the dangers of substance abuse, but also about how to make better decisions.
“Our drug problem is out of control and there is no singular way to solve it,” Sheriff Brian Tennant said. “The approach to helping our problem needs to be multifaceted and one of the major components needs to be prevention. My hope and belief is that this DARE program will help to address that aspect of it.”
The DARE program is an “evidence-based program,” which studies have shown is effective in preventing drug abuse, Tennant said. It has been implemented throughout the world but never, as far as Tennant knew, in Greene County schools.
Superintendents and school boards in Greene County’s five school districts were more than receptive to the idea of having the program in their schools and were helpful preparing for its implementation, Tennant said.
“We are all excited to get this program up and running and think it will be of great benefit in helping Greene County address our growing opioid addiction problem,” he said.
DARE recommended the program be taught to students in late elementary school, fourth or fifth grade, Tennant said. The program will be presented by a certified DARE officer from the sheriff’s office.
The minimum cost of the program is $1.29 per student with the costs being waived by DARE for the first year. Based on average class populations, this will be a cost of less than $500 annually, to cover students in all schools, Tennant said.
“The cost of this program is very low, but we still hope to reach out to some of our local businesses to help support the program.” Tennant said.
The office hopes to have a deputy complete the two week training program and to arrange scheduling to have the program up and running next school year, Tennant said.
Anyone who would like to help support the efforts of the DARE program can contact the sheriff’s office at 724-627-7207.