Houston Demand Reduction Activities

High School Students Tour the Houston Field Office

Public Affairs Specialist Dawn Mathis poses for a picture with the students from McArthur High School	ASAC Tony Scott welcomes the students to the Houston Field Office	DI Lola Wheeler speaks to the students about a career as a Diversion Investigator

On December 6, 2007, the Houston FD Demand Reduction Program provided the juniors and seniors of McArthur High School with a tour of the Houston Divisional Office. The students that were chosen to participate in the tour have plans to pursue a career in the criminal justice field after graduation. Upon arrival the students were welcomed by ASAC Tony Scott and given an overview of DEA’s mission. During the tour students were informed as to the significance of the Wall of Honor; and were escorted to other non-sensitive areas of the Houston Field Office. DEA SAs, DIs, and IAs, were on hand to answer dozens of questions about their careers with DEA.

Houston Field Division Help Celebrate The 20Th Anniversary Of The Mayor’s Office Drug Prevention Program

Associate Special Agent in Charge Joe Arabit speaks to the students about the significance of the Red Ribbon Campaign.	Worthing High School Performs for the students at the Kick-Off.
Constable Victor Trevino speaks to the students about the benefits of being drug-free.	Singer/Actor Lil J Xavier takes a picture with the Bellaire High School cheerleaders.

This October 4, 2007, Houston Crackdown observed their Twentieth Anniversary Drug Prevention Month Kick-Off Rally. Approximately five hundred (500) Houston area middle school students participated in the Rally. The theme for the event was Houston: A City of Champions. The following individuals were recognized for their contributions in promoting the no drug use message throughout the Houston community. Butch Woolfolk – Houston Texans Ambassador; Robyn Troup; Oliver Luck; CEO Houston Dynamo; Lil J Xavier, motivational rapper; Reshonda Tate Billingsley, author & former Fox 26 News reporter; Two HISD students with the highest GPA within the school district; and Victor Trevino, Precinct 6 Constable.

DEA Hosts Teens and Prescription Drug Abuse Conference at NASA

Diversion Program Manager Judett Black speaks to the audience On the National Epidemic of Prescription Drug Abuse.

Many experts view prescription drugs as one of the most widely abused illegal substances in the State of Texas. In light of this alarming observation, the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA), Bay Area Council on Drugs & Alcohol (BACODA), and the Southeast Harris Community Coalition spon sored the Teens and Prescription Drug Abuse Conference. The conference was held on September 28, 2007, at the NASA Gilruth Center. The one-day conference addressed the prevention, treatment and law enforcement aspects of prescription drug abuse. The goal of the program was to educate concerned citizens, law enforcement personnel, healthcare providers, educators, clergy, community leaders and parents about strategies for confronting the problem of teens and prescription drug abuse. The conference participants were instructed on the latest trends, advances, and best practices in combating prescription abuse. Approximately 250 attendees from various disciplines participated in the conference. The conference included presentations by several prominent individuals from law enforcement agencies to include DEA, the Galveston County Sheriff's Office and the Friendswood Police Department. Insightful opening remarks were made by Diversion Program Analyst Judett Black and Galveston County Sheriff’s Deputy, Sergeant Stacy Killgore. A stimulating lecture was also presented by Dr. Susan Dalterio on the physiological and psychological effects of prescription drugs as well as a personal testimony by a former drug abuser.