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NEWS
RELEASE |
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April
25, 2002 |
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FOR
IMMEDIATE RELEASE |
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Contact:
Ryan Hurd, (619) 474-8844, ext # 29 |
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| STUDENTS,
POLICYMAKERS TO |
| DISCUSS
SUBSTANCE ABUSE |
| Substance
Abuse Summit May 13-14 |
| to
Feature Innovative Partnerships |
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With a national report showing
that half a million college students are injured in
alcohol-related accidents each year, strengthening ties with
institutions of higher learning is a top goal of a conference
that links professional and community partners throughout San
Diego County. |
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Substance Abuse Summit VII, to be
held May 13 and 14 at the Town and Country Hotel and
Convention Center, also will seek to improve the community's
use of prevention research and other resources available
through colleges and universities. A 1998 County study showed
substance abuse problems cost county taxpayers $1.8 billion,
and recent studies by the Harvard School of Public Health show
that 44 percent of college students nationwide are binge
drinkers. |
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More than 800 people, including
200 high school students, are scheduled to participate in the
event, which will feature 32 workshops and many informational
exhibits. The conference will begin with an inte4ractive
community forum, where youth and adult leaders will discuss
the roles of youth ,parents, community systems and political
leaders in efforts to reduce the risk of alcohol, tobacco and
other drug problems. |
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The summit is the culmination of
a year-long effort by 12 community work groups, each
representing diverse community interests, including health
care, e3ducation, justice, sports, parents and youth — as
well as this year's new partner, higher education. |
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"Substance abuse takes a
heavy toll in San Diego County, on and off college
campuses," said Ron Roberts, Chairman of the San Diego
County Board of Supervisors, who will speak at the event.
"By building partnerships among many affected
communities, the Substance Abuse Summit can play a critical
role in reducing and preventing drug and alcohol
problems." |
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"Colleges can be high-risk
zones for underage and binge drinking, sexual assault,
vandalism, treatment and law enforcement, campuses and
communities can work together to make our county and its
colleges safer." |
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