[Congressional Record Volume 141, Number 176 (Wednesday, November 8, 1995)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E2131]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




        SUBSTANCE ABUSE PREVENTION TEAM OF ESSEX COUNTY HONORED

                                 ______


                        HON. GERALD B.H. SOLOMON

                              of new york

                    in the house of representatives

                      Wednesday, November 8, 1995

  Mr. SOLOMON. Mr. Speaker, one of the biggest problems facing our 
Nation for generations has been the abuse of illegal drugs. Substance 
abuse of this nature is responsible for the breakdown of the American 
family, increased crime and violent crime, increased health hazards and 
economic woes. Clearly, these substances have proven to be more than a 
thorn in the side of American society, they are eating at the very core 
of this Nation.
  Fortunately, Mr. Speaker, there are programs like the one run in 
Essex County, NY of my congressional district. This Monday, November 
13, 1995, the Substance Abuse Prevention Team of Essex County, based in 
the beautiful Adirondack Mountains, will be honored right here on 
Capitol Hill as one of the 16 best substance abuse programs in the 
entire United States. At this time I would like to extend my sincere 
gratitude to each and every person who has participated on this 
prevention team. They have done a tremendous service for the young 
people and residents in Essex County and gone a long way toward 
preserving the smalltown sense of community.
  Yes, Mr. Speaker, even small towns like the ones in the Adirondack 
Mountains have been faced with this plague of drug abuse which 
threatens the very fabric of America and smalltown America. But it is 
not all doom and gloom Mr. Speaker. We know from our experience in the 
years from 1980 to 1992 that this dreadful plague can be controlled. In 
that time period, drug use in the United States actually dropped by 
more than 50 percent. What made progress like that possible? Preventive 
programs like the one we are honoring here today which gets the right 
message to our children and others before they become addicted to these 
destructive substances.
  Mr. Speaker, I have nothing but the utmost respect for the people who 
run this prevention program in Essex County. They are responsible for 
defending and saving the fabric of this Nation and the future of our 
young people. In that respect, I ask that you and all fellow Members of 
Congress rise with me and pay tribute to the outstanding men and women 
who are part of the Essex County Substance Abuse Prevention Team. They 
are truly great Americans.

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