[Congressional Record Volume 140, Number 71 (Thursday, June 9, 1994)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Printing Office [www.gpo.gov]


[Congressional Record: June 9, 1994]
From the Congressional Record Online via GPO Access [wais.access.gpo.gov]

 
           IN TRIBUTE TO THE PASSIAC COUNTY, NJ, DARE PROGRAM

                                 ______


                           HON. MARGE ROUKEMA

                             of new jersey

                    in the house of representatives

                         Thursday, June 9, 1994

  Mrs. ROUKEMA. Mr. Speaker, substance abuse, and the crime it breeds, 
remain a real and terribly dangerous threat to our communities, our 
neighborhoods, and our families. In order to win the war on abuse we 
need aggressive interdiction, vigorous enforcement, and more 
importantly, effective treatment and tireless education. No one is more 
aware of this fact and no one has worked harder to fight the scourge of 
drug abuse than the men and women who dedicate their time and energy to 
the Passaic County Drug Abuse Resistance and Education Program.
  The Drug Abuse Resistance Education Program, known more commonly as 
DARE is the largest and most effective drug-use prevention education 
program in the United States, and is now taught to 25 million youths in 
school from kindergarten to 12th grade. The DARE curriculum was 
originally developed by the Los Angeles Police Department and the Los 
Angeles Unified School District. Today, it is taught by veteran police 
officers throughout the world. After completing 80 hours of specialized 
training, each officer enters the classroom where they provide children 
with the skills and self-esteem needed to resist the peer pressure and 
temptation to use drugs.
  The DARE Program is clearly a success. Independent research has found 
that DARE substantially impacts students' attitudes toward substance 
use. It has also worked to help students improve study habits, achieve 
higher grades, decrease vandalism and gang activity, and gain a greater 
respect for police officers. I can testify that among the police 
departments and educators in my district, DARE is unanimously singled 
out for the highest praise.
  On Sunday, June 12, the Passaic County DARE family will celebrate the 
program's ongoing success in their communities by hosting a parade and 
rally. It will be the fourth scheduled Passaic County DARE parade. DARE 
students, police officers, teachers, public officials, and members of 
local civic and fraternal organizations from 16 municipalities will 
march together to send the message loud and clear that we will not 
tolerate substance abuse in our communities and schools.
  Today, I ask my colleagues in the House to join with me by showing 
our appreciation for the dedication of the thousands of DARE volunteers 
in Passaic County that have made a life and death difference for 
countless young people in their communities. They have made us all 
proud.

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