The equipment will help teach community residents about the dangers of driving under the influence of alcohol and drugs. The pedal karts will be used in conjunction with special “Fatal Vision” impairment goggles to allow participants to experience simulated effects and consequences of impairment.
The goal of the Oswego Elks’ Drug Awareness Program is to educate youth about the effects that drugs, alcohol, and tobacco can have on them and the consequences of the misuse of these products.
“The Elks recognize that our community, like many others around the country, is in a constant battle to combat drug abuse and protect our youth from the pressures of those who would selfishly encourage them to begin using drugs,” said Carol Simpson, Drug Awareness Chair for the Oswego Elks Lodge. “We hope that this donation will assist our local STOP-DWI program in its efforts to provide our youth with drug awareness and prevention education.”
COCOAA has a long-term relationship working with STOP-DWI in preventative education. In addition to their collaborative effort in programs such as Project U-Turn and Project Intervention, the two organizations have worked together to present “Responsible Server” training for local establishments. This training was also supported through grant funding from the Richard Shineman Foundation.
“The program is intended to help youths make educated decisions when it comes to real life situations,” said Karyn Grow, Director of Prevention Services for COCOAA. “It’s great to have different organizations helping other organizations in the community. It really brings us all together.”
Oswego County STOP-DWI, Elks Lodge #271, and COCOAA are all members of the Oswego County Prevention Coalition. The coalition’s goals are to establish and strengthen community collaboration in support of local efforts to prevent youth substance use. The coalition works to achieve its goals by increasing positive protective factors and decreasing risk factors as members address adolescent substance abuse in Oswego County.
For information about the Oswego County STOP-DWI Program, contact Lighthall at Robert.Lighthall@OswegoCounty.com or visit http://www.stopdwi.org/initiatives-Oswego.
Pictured : L-R Carol Simpson, Drug Awareness Chair, Ken Ellsworth, Exalted Ruler, Robert Lighthall, Oswego County STOP-DWI Coordinator; and Oswego Mayor William Barlow Jr, and Steve Gleason of COCOAA.
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