HoehmTown Happenings

The Importance of D.A.R.E.: Define Assess Respond Evaluate

As much as they might want to, parents cannot shield their children from all the bad things that exist in the world. An integral part of growing up involves learning lessons by living through negative events that happen to ourselves or those close to us. “Live and learn” is a universal phrase that sums up the direct relationship between choices and consequences. While poor choices often lead to negative outcomes, we are usually provided with the opportunity to learn from our mistakes and make better decisions going forward. Unfortunately, this is not always the case, especially when it comes to mistakes made with the consumption of drugs and alcohol. Sometimes, a poor decision ends up being one’s last decision.

With this in mind, Clarkstown is a proud participant in a wonderful program taught in our schools providing 5th grade students with important tools and resources to help them make responsible choices regarding drugs, alcohol, and tobacco. The program is known as D.A.R.E., which stands for define, assess, respond, and evaluate. D.A.R.E. has been offered in the town for over 30 years and the Clarkstown Police Department was the first law enforcement agency to present the program in Rockland County. The curriculum runs for 12 weeks and students are provided information and facts from a Clarkstown Police officer and also covers other important topics such as bullying and peer pressure. While the D.A.R.E. program started before the widespread accessibility to the internet and social media, the curriculum has evolved through the years to cover this new reality as well as new areas and topics pertinent to today’s ‘tweens’.

Through D.A.R.E., children learn strategies on how to avoid situations they will face as they mature into middle school and high school students.  For example, they learn multiple ways to ‘just say no’ to others who are offering drugs or alcohol to them. It is perhaps one of the most important programs that we provide, as it gives strategies on how to live a healthy and safe life. It also gives students the opportunity to establish a positive relationship with the Clarkstown Police Department. The program ends with a graduation ceremony that recognizes the efforts of the students’ participation and encourages them to remain drug–free. Over 30,000 students have been educated through D.A.R.E. since its inception in 1991. The program also sponsors several extracurricular activities, including 3-on-3 basketball tournaments and street hockey tournaments to promote positive activities for students.

I’m so grateful for our partnership with all four of the school districts and parochial schools within the Town of Clarkstown which participate in the D.A.R.E. program. I’m thankful for the exceptional work of our D.A.R.E. officers in the Clarkstown Police Department for teaching our young people for so many years. And as Town Supervisor, I remain committed to continuing to fund and promote this very valuable program that assists our youth in dealing with the challenges they face on the path to adulthood. The disease of drug addiction is incredibly powerful and we must do all we can to educate and support young people so they will live long and healthy lives.

If you or a family member is struggling with substance abuse issues, please remember there is plenty of help available. Another local program known as ‘Hope Not Handcuffs’ offers a collaborative effort between law enforcement and community organizations to find viable treatment options for individuals seeking help to reduce their dependence on prescription medication, alcohol, heroin, or other drugs. 

Call 833-428-HOPE or visit  https://www.tricountycommunitypartnership.org/hopenothandcuffs for more information.