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Highlands Today

Group Gets New Name, Aims For More Visibility

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MARC VALERO

Highlands Today

Published: July 14, 2008

SEBRING - The county coalition aiming to reduce substance abuse has a new business name to highlight its efforts - Drug Free Highlands.

The Highlands County Community Coalition for Substance Abuse Reduction, an incorporated non-profit organization, was created in December 2004.

"We are just trying to impress upon everybody - you can be drug free in Highlands County," said Debra Lees, Drug Free Highlands secretary/treasurer and Highlands County Sheriff's Office substance abuse reduction coordinator.

The coalition will still be known by its original name, for paperwork and grant writing purposes.

The coalition addresses all types of substance abuse but focuses on alcohol abuse.

"Much of the grant money that we are getting is toward the alcohol reduction," Lees said. Alcohol abuse of the elderly is a big problem for the health care system, she added.
Teen drinking is also a major concern of the coalition.

Kids who start drinking before the age of 15 are five times more likely to become alcoholics, Lees said

"I don't think adults understand the ramifications of providing alcohol to kids," she said.

Alcohol affects the brain cells and the logic center of the brain because the human brain continues to develop until the age of 21 or 22, she added.

The longer a person delays using any kind of substance, such as alcohol, cigarettes or even prescription medications, the healthier they will be as they grow older, Lees said. "It's all about being responsible."

The coalition's efforts to become more visible in the community started this weekend with the Heartland Triathlon.

"Drug Free Highlands" signs were on the Sebring Circle and a larger sign with a sun emblem was at the first transition water station.

Marc Valero can be reached at 386-5826 or mvalero@highlandstoday.com

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