Iowa’s Drug Policy Coordinator is calling on the newest class of Drug Abuse Resistance Education (DARE) students to remember lessons learned.

“Resisting drugs in high school and beyond is just as important as saying no to drugs while in middle school,” said Gary Kendell, speaking to an assembly of central Iowa students celebrating DARE Day at Roland-Story Middle School on Thursday.  “Students who continue making positive choices, such as remaining drug-free, are more likely to have brighter and safer futures.”

DARE is a national youth drug prevention program, in which law enforcement officers teach students how to resist drugs and make healthy decisions.  It is one of several youth drug prevention programs offered in Iowa communities.

“Thanks to educators and officers working together, the DARE program has contributed to Iowa having one of the lowest rates of youth drug use in the nation,” said Kendell, as he presented an Iowa DARE Day proclamation from Governor Culver.

The DARE curriculum helps students build self esteem, manage stress, evaluate risk-taking behavior, resist negative peer and gang pressures, and apply decision making skills without resorting to drug use.  The program also builds stronger relationships between youth and law enforcement.

This year more than 26,000 Iowa students, in grades K-12, will receive DARE lessons that include an interactive science-based curriculum enhanced as part of a national research project.