DARE program to combat meth in classroom

By Staff
Melissa Cason
The Franklin County DARE Officer plans to spend more time in the classroom teaching the students about the dangers of methamphetamine usage adding to the program's past curriculum, which targets tobacco, alcohol and marijuana.
Lt. Mike Franklin said meth was a major topic at the regional DARE conference this year, and with the new training, he plans to spend more time on covering meth usage so that students can know the dangers of the drug.
"I'm going to hit it harder this year than in the past," Franklin said. "I think it's a good idea to get our students acquainted with the dangers of meth as soon as possible."
Franklin said he also learned ways to tell whether a child has been exposed to meth.
"I learned things I didn't know about meth usage, and I see a ton of cases involving meth," Franklin said. "I plan to use this information to help our students."
Franklin also plans to take in length about prescription drug use in the course.
While Franklin plans to bring new aspects the program, he is bringing all the old stuff back this year because the feels everything is important to our students.
"It's going to be a little more work, but I think the students will benefit from the additional information," Franklin said.
Franklin plans to go back into the classroom in the next week or so.