Project sends strong message
Sixth graders observe consequences of alcohol/drug abuse in mock demonstrations
Staff reporter
"He's dead. There's nothing more we can do for him."
These were the poignant words Marion Elementary sixth graders heard Wednesday during a demonstration known as the "Drug Store Project."
The mock demonstrations were a part of the Red Ribbon Week at the school promoting drug-free decisions.
The students observed a series of events where several classmates pretended to be alcohol/drug users and make decisions that pertained to drugs, legal and illegal, and the consequences that followed.
The first stop was with Tracy Lanning, pharmacist at Marion Pharmacy. She explained how legal drugs can be abused.
The second stop was with Josh Whitwell, Marion Police officer, who talked about the use of illegal drugs, most notably methamphetamine.
The "user" was then arrested and taken to jail where he was fingerprinted and photographed. Three inmates from the El Dorado Correctional Facility talked to the students about jail.
Following jail, the "user" was brought before Judge Michael Powers in the Marion County District Courtroom. Susan Robson, Marion County Attorney, was the prosecutor with local attorney Dan Baldwin as the defense attorney.
After receiving his "sentence," of probation, the "user" checked into a rehabilitation center. Sandy Berg, Prairie View drug counselor gave a presentation.
When the "user" is released from the rehabilitation center, he attends a party where alcohol and drugs are being consumed. During the course of the exercise, the "user" collapses, and paramedics are summoned.
The demonstration continues with paramedics Jeannie Meirowsky and Dale Miller, Florence emergency medical technicians, asking questions and attending to the "overdosed user."
The "user" is then transported to the emergency room at the local hospital. While in the emergency room, the "user's" heart stops beating and CPR is performed by medical personnel Darryl Thiesen, incoming Marion County EMS Director, Meirowsky, and Miller.
After several failed reviving attempts the "user," is pronounced "dead." The mother is called and given the bad news.
The students then went to the mock funeral at Valley Methodist Church. Rev. Mark Moore, pastor of Florence and Aulne United Methodist churches, gave the eulogy.
As students filed past the casket, a mirror was on the pillow to signify it could be anyone. The students also could offer their condolences to the "user's" mother.
The intense workshop is designed to make the youth think.
"If this saves one child, then it's been well worth the effort," said Janice Waner, USD 408 nurse and coordinator of the program.
Waner attended a Red Ribbon awards luncheon last year, where USD 408 was recognized, and while there, she was told about this type of workshop.
"The school district and the Marion County Substance Abuse Board have been extremely supportive of this program," said Waner. "It couldn't have happened without their support."
Following the workshop, the students received T-shirts and additional information.
