Drug Free Marshals Get the Word Out:

"Say Yes To Life, Say No To Drugs"

• Anti-drug education campaign launched

The Church of Scientology's Drug Free Marshals marched in the Boulder Lights of December Parade, Saturday December 2 nd, advising all onlookers to "Say Yes To Life, Say No To Drugs." The Marshals were greeted with support and cheers as they handed out anti-drug education booklets about a variety of abused drugs.

The Drug Free Marshals program has been a part of the church's drug education and prevention program for over ten years and is geared toward prevention by encouraging children to pledge to live drug-free lives and help others to do the same.

This year, the Church of Scientology launched a drug education program called "Say Yes To Life, Say No To Drugs" to get the facts about the harmful effects of drugs into the hands of people of all ages. The church has published a new series of booklets which address society's most abused drugs including marijuana, cocaine, crystal meth, LSD, heroin and ecstasy as well as prescription drugs which are illegally sold on the streets such as painkillers and Ritalin (often referred to as "kiddie cocaine"). Each booklet documents the short and long term effects of the drug, street names, personal stories and the specifics about addiction and why the user becomes more and more hooked.

"Drugs destroy millions of lives every year," said Mike Benetatos, local "Say Yes To Life, Say No To Drugs" Campaign Coordinator. "When a person is armed with the facts about drugs and what drugs do to one's body and mind, they can make an informed decision on drugs. Getting the truth about drugs known is our main mission."

The "Say Yes To Life, Say No To Drugs" drug education series is available to schools and community groups for their use and includes 10 educational booklets and an activities manual to help groups get started. Volunteers working with this program are also available to deliver drug education lectures and help in any way they can.

To learn more about the "Say Yes To Life, Say No To Drugs" program in Denver, contact Susan Gaut at (303) 789-7668 or Susan_Gaut@yahoo.com.