Harrison County, West Virginia students engage in interactive substance abuse education

CLARKSBURG, WEST VIRGINIA – Students in Harrison County, West Virginia, had the opportunity to learn about drug abuse and prevention in a dynamic environment outside of the classroom this week, United States Attorney William J. Ihlenfeld, II, announced.

Seventh and tenth grade students at Liberty High School, Robert C. Byrd High School, Lincoln High School, South Harrison High School, Mountaineer Middle School, Lincoln Middle School, and South Harrison Middle School participated in a new prevention initiative known as “Drug Prevention On The Move!” The centerpiece of the “On The Move!” program is a unique, interactive mobile classroom trailer where students learn about a variety of drugs and their effects on the body and brain. Students answer questions electronically, providing useful insight into their perceptions of various drugs. The students also experience a go-kart and other dynamic technology designed to simulate the effects of impaired and distracted driving.

“To loosen the unforgiving grip of addiction in our region, we must find creative solutions that complement and enhance traditional law enforcement efforts,” said Ihlenfeld. “Empowering young people to make informed decisions based on honest and straightforward education about illegal drugs helps reduce the demand for these illicit substances. I am proud to join Harrison County Schools to promote programs that position students to have healthy and productive futures.”

The “On The Move!” program is an initiative of Operation UNITE, a non-profit organization based in London, Kentucky. Operation UNITE works to rid communities of illegal drug use through undercover investigations, treatment, support, and education. The educational trailer is also provided in partnership with the United States Health Resources and Services Administration and the Appalachia High Intensity Drug Trafficking Area, an initiative of the White House Office of National Drug Control Policy.

Education and prevention professionals interested in obtaining additional information or scheduling the “On The Move!” initiative in their school district are encouraged to contact Tara Tighe at the United States Attorney’s Office at (304) 234-0100.