By Stu Johnson/KPR
Lexington, KY – Kentucky's first Drug Abuse Resistance Education' program was established in the mid 1980's in Lexington. Since then police officers have taught thousands of school children to resist pressure from peers to use drugs. State coordinator Bruce Olin says next year's federal funds for student workbooks have been cut, but, they're searching for other funding sources. Olin says DARE must constantly update its teaching materials so they're in step with changing drug fads.
"We have components of the program on meth and over the counter and prescription drugs. We have a specific program just for over the counter and prescription drugs," said Olin.
The state police received some $46,000 in federal money to support DARE. Olin says most of the officers for DARE come from local police departments or sheriff's offices. The local agencies pay the cost for DARE officers. Olin's hoping for other avenues of funding for the program.
"I think the private sector has a big investment in any kind of drug prevention program because these kids that are in school today are going to be their employees tomorrow," explained Olin.
Last year in Kentucky more than 13,000 fifth and sixth graders underwent DARE instruction. DARE is also taught in middle and high schools.