It takes young people with courage and strength to make sure peer pressure doesn't result in them making the wrong decision. He encouraged every adult in the room to take five minutes with a child, whether or not their own, and talk to them. Make sure they understand that substance abuse is not just beer, alcohol and drugs but also cigarettes. A panel of 2 youth and 4 adults were present to help facilitate an hour discussion with the community. Some of the following points were discussed during the community dialogue as possible solutions and important issues that effect our community.
Action needs to be developed throughout the community to really make a difference.
Bruce Upchurch, State of Iowa drug enforcement and abuse prevention coordinator, said to make an impact it takes prevention, treatment and strong enforcement to hold the line. He challenged more businesses in the community to do the same. Businesses were encouraged to get involved and help with prevention and keeping their employees drug and alcohol free. A recent police sting resulted in six of out 15 businesses selling alcohol to a minor, Fort Dodge Police Chief Ivan Metzger said. The City Council is behind the police department and his commendation not to renew the liquor license of businesses that sell three times to minors working with the police department, Metzger said.