Published: September 05, 2008 09:14 am         

Drug awareness event Sept. 12

Today is the Day volunteers to stand at 40 locations

CUMBERLAND — For the second year in a row, hundreds of purple shirt-wearing people will gather at various locations throughout the county spreading a very important message — talk to your kids about drugs.

“The overall goal is to encourage everyone to be aware of the dangers of drug abuse and to talk to the people they care about, about being drug-free,” Robin Summerfield, co-chair of the Coalition for a Drug-free Community, said of the Today is the Day event slated for Sept. 12.

“I think it is essential for parents and grandparents to sit down and talk to children about drugs and the effect drugs have on the future,” said Jane Dawson, co-chair of the coalition and vice president of the Allegany County Board of Education.

This year from 7 to 9 a.m. volunteers will stand at about 40 locations throughout the county.

“Last year we were blown away — we expected to have about 300 volunteers and we ended up with more than 700,” said Summerfield.

In addition to the 40 sites, the county schools will also participate.

“Last year we had participation from all the schools, and we expect the same this year,” said Mia Perlozzo, public relations specialist for the Allegany County Board of Education.

The volunteers display signs and distribute information to motorists and pedestrians during the morning commute.

“Allegany County is blessed to have accessible, high-quality services to help those struggling to overcome substance abuse. However, curbing the growing problem of substance abuse in our community will require more than treatment alone,” Summerfield said. “Today is the Day calls on our entire community to take action — by talking to our children and young people, by being alert to the signs of drug abuse, and by knowing the resources available to our friends and family members.”

The information provided during Today is the Day directs people to www.2dayistheday.org.

“I encourage you to visit this Web site to take advantage of the excellent information available to help you better understand the impact of substance abuse on our community, the health risks of drug use to pregnant mothers and their children, the signs of drug abuse, tips on how to talk to kids about drugs and resources available to those seeking help,” said Summerfield.

“I am very concerned about the newborns who are born addicted to drugs. We have a lot of work to do — it takes parents, schools and communities — it really is a group effort,” said Dawson.

Volunteers and sponsors are still being sought for the event.

Anyone interested in sponsoring Today is the Day should contact Becky McClarran at (301) 724-2450. To volunteer, contact the Volunteer Center of Allegany County at (301) 724-1559.

Technical assistance and in-kind support are provided by the Local Management Board of Allegany County, Allegany County Health Department, Allegany County public schools, Volunteer Center of Allegany County and the Cumberland Times-News, according to Summerfield.

Contact Jennifer Raley at jraley@times-news.com.