DrugFreeAz.org Hosts Progress. Promise. Passion. Breakfast to Celebrate Progress in Drug Prevention
More than 175 community leaders from across Arizona attended DrugFreeAz.org’s “Progress, Promise, Passion” community breakfast, sponsored by Anderson Security Agency. Held on May 7 at the Phoenix Country Club, the event raised more than $40,000 for the nonprofit organization and highlighted important information regarding youth drug and alcohol use in our state.
“It is so important for our community to come together and talk about prevention and keep the spotlight on issues facing parents and kids today,” said Leslie Bloom, CEO, DrugFreeAz.org. “We are excited that we had the opportunity to share our mission with such influential leaders who help continue to make positive changes in our community.”
Chuck Lemire, breakfast committee member, emceed the event that focused on how to raise awareness about youth and teen substance abuse issues in our community.
The speakers included:
Doug Coleman, special agent in charge, Drug Enforcement Administration, Phoenix DivisionMike Frazier, chief, Surprise Police Department, president, Arizona Association of Chiefs of PoliceLeslie Bloom, CEO, DrugFreeAz.org
“Children’s brains and bodies are still developing until the age of 25 and researchers know that a developing brain does not have the capacity for good judgment and decision-making,” said Bloom. “A child’s developing brain also makes them more susceptible to habit-forming substances like drugs and alcohol. In fact, 90% of drug addictions start in the teen years.”
Bloom, citing the most recent Arizona Youth Survey, said that in the last four years the organization has seen an increase in marijuana use among teens.
Also speaking was Mike Frazier, chief of police for the City of Surprise and president for the Arizona Association of Chiefs of Police and Doug Coleman, Phoenix division, Drug Enforcement Administration.
“We cannot arrest or incarcerate our way out of the drug problem, we must put as much focus on prevention as we do in the other areas” said Frazier. “Being able to educate others and provide resources is critical to raising awareness and keeping our communities safe.”
This successful breakfast event was made possible by the “In the Spirit of Leadership” sponsor, Anderson Security Agency and the “In the Spirit of Commitment” sponsors AmCheck APS, General Dynamics, Snell & Wilmer, LLP, UnitedHealthcare Military & Veterans, and Vistage.
For more information on DrugFreeAz.org visit www.DrugFreeAz.org or call (602) 264-5700.
About DrugFreeAz.org:
DrugFreeAz.org – The Partnership for a Drug-Free America, Arizona Affiliate is a 501(c) (3) non-profit statewide organization with a volunteer board of directors. Their mission is to prevent and reduce youth drug and alcohol use through community education and awareness by providing parents, caregivers, healthcare providers, educators and others with educational tools, information and resources.
For more information, visit www.DrugFreeAz.org.
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