To provide educational programs to students, parents, and community about the dangers of substance abuse; to early-identify students at risk for substance abuse through a fundametally fair system of drug screening, and provide them with non-punitive intervention through counseling and other support services - always treating students with dignity, confidentiality and respect: to reduce substance abuse among students.

Students are drug free and proud to pursue their hopes and dreams.

STAND is an early identification, prevention program that is used to detect and deter drug usage in the earliest or advanced stage of experimentation.

  • to reduce illegal substance use among county students and to provide appropriate intervention via counseling or education for all students testing positive
  • to expand and strengthen the community based coalition on illegal student alcohol, tobacco, and drug use
  • to expand educational and community awareness efforts
  • to assure students and the general community are aware of the risks of illegal drug abuse
  • to serve as a catalyst to improve communication between parents and children to discuss drug abuse issues

Testing is carried out under carefully drafted school policies that place priority on maintaining the child's dignity and confidentiality and also provides essential identification of students who are experimenting with drugs to allow for early intervention. Tests are provided for grades 6-12.

Counseling sessions are conducted on an average of eight weeks for all students testing positive. Other services are provided to students and parents through school assemblies, newsletters, pamphlets, and special community events, like Red Ribbon Week. STAND is currently serving students in grades 6-12, but is commited to expanding counseling services to all children with significant risk factors to allow more therapeutic intervention than is presently available.

STAND provides a high energy, drug education presentation. State of the art graphics, along with surround sound technology grabs the attention of each student. These high tech presentations are a favorite of young and old alike. Student interaction along with realistic depiction of the harmful effects of drug abuse leave a lasting impression that will not soon be forgotten. This service is offered for 5-12.

The funding history of STAND is a collaboration of community fund raising and grants. Support from private trusts, state and federal grants, local governmental agencies, and local industry have made our progress possible. To continue we must rely on innovative fund raising practices and creative grant writing.