The most insidious enemy this Nation has ever faced is substance abuse by our youth. Today, our youth are faced with two even more insidious drugs of "choice." The first is methamphetamines. It is easy and cheap to produce. The "recipe" is available on the Internet, and those who make it and deal it are selling to anyone who will buy it, including elementary-age children. It destroys families and leads to battered, abused and abandoned children. The second is the use of inhalants. Even the most innocent of products, compressed air, which we use to clean and dust electronic equipment, has become a source of "getting high." "Huffing," "bagging," "blowing" or any other slang name by which it is known is simply a killer. The scourge of drug abuse destroys the potential of youth before that potential can develop. As Elks, we must rededicate our efforts to educate our youth in the dangers of drug and alcohol abuse and inform parents and teachers of the warning signs.

Elks are family-oriented and deeply rooted in our communities and surroundings. Much of our efforts are dedicated to our young citizens. Today’s youth will form the foundation of tomorrow’s society. It is imperative that we ensure that they have the opportunity, the sense of self-worth and the skills needed to make good choices.

Preventing drug and alcohol abuse is one component of community involvement that will directly contribute to the well-being of America. Prevention begins with education. Our Grand Lodge Drug Awareness Program develops awareness, alerting parents, educators and community leaders to the dangers of drug abuse among school children.

The direction of the program is twofold. First, support fully any existing community program through the distribution of printed material, volunteers and finances. We will continue to provide prevention-related material to each Lodge at no cost. This material, which targets Grades 4 through 9, their parents and teachers, is produced and shipped by a grant from the Elks National Foundation. Our work in this field has gained outstanding national recognition. We must continue to work diligently in this field to maintain our exemplary status. Second, help establish an effective Drug Awareness Education Program if no such program exists in the community. Details are spelled out in the Drug Awareness Manual.

All Lodges are challenged to make the Drug Awareness Program a "Priority." We cannot afford to lose a single child to this devastating menace. Lodges are encouraged to provide their facilities for meetings, seminars and lectures and to conduct Alcohol/Drug-Free social events for students in May and June. Lodges are also urged to conduct or participate in "Graduation Celebration," an Alcohol/Drug-Free night-long social event for graduating high school seniors. To be successful, you need to work closely with educators, parent organizations and student peer groups. The first 250 Lodges to request a grant will be reimbursed up to $200.00 each for hosting these events. The time for these events is between April 1st and November 30th to qualify for reimbursement. A complete report of the results along with receipt must be sent to the Elks National Foundation Office no later than the end of August.

Since 1986, the Elks have supported Red Ribbon Week in October. All Elks are encouraged to display a red ribbon during this week. The red ribbon is worn in memory of Enrique Camarena, a Drug Enforcement Agent, who was tortured and murdered by Mexican drug dealers.

The Drug Awareness Manual (DAP-125) spells out in detail the Lodge’s responsibility in directing an effective campaign to combat substance abuse in its community. State Association Dr ug Awareness Chairpersons coordinate the efforts of the Lodges in their States in performing this work. These Chairpersons receive specialized training each year, conducted by Program Staff and Prevention Specialists from various agencies. Become involved; build a dynamic, viable Lodge program that will demonstrate to your community that the ELKS Make a Difference through community-based programs like Drug Awareness and through those efforts show that "Elks Care — Elks Share."