FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Wednesday, March 8th, 2006

MADD presents the “Truth” to area youth

Windsor - Tomorrow, area youth will gather at Sandwich Community Health Centre for two sessions put-on by Mothers’ Against Drunk Driving (MADD) and the Sandwich Community Health Centre from 9:15 a.m. to 10:30 a.m. and 1:00 p.m. to 2:15 p.m. to help educate area youth on the realities surrounding substance abuse.

The purpose of these “Truth” sessions is to expose false perceptions about drugs, alcohol, and driving that distort realities around peer pressure, binge drinking, media messages, and the “A” word.  “We’re doing this because the number one killer of teens is motor vehicles accidents, 40 per cent of which involve alcohol,” says Stephen Gard, MADD Education Director.

The sessions are being presented in a three-screen multi-media event designed to educate students in grades 7, 8 & 9 that inaccurate perceptions or false impressions about substance abuse can lead to high-risk behaviours and deadly consequences.  MADD Canada’s newest high school program entitled “Truth” encourages youth to examine their values and exposes common harmful beliefs amongst teenagers.  Through hard-hitting victim stories and revealing interviews, MADD delivers a powerful message and inspires youth to become leaders to promote positive choices and healthy behaviour.

This event is made possible through donations from Windsor FOCUS Community, the Committee to End the Abuse of Substances in Essex County, and CAW Locals 444 & 200.      

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For more information call Tessa Mancini, Communications Officer,
at 253-8481, ext. 238 or via email tessa@teenhealthcentre.com
or contact Stephen Gard, Windsor FOCUS Community Coordinator,
at 253-8481 ext. 285 or by email sgard@windsorfocus.com

www.teenhealthcentre.com