Teenage drug abuse -- a problem faced by parents, educators, law enforcement personnel, and concerned citizens -- affects every community in the United States. Eliminating this problem requires commitment, cooperation, and innovative programs that have the support of the entire community.

Benefits of Drug Free Youth 
 How the program works  
What drugs are identified 
 Who is involved

Drug Free Youth (DFY) was created to meet this challenge. DFY is a voluntary, community-based program of the STAR Task Force. It is designed to curb drug use among teenagers by providing an incentive to remain or become drug and alcohol free. It is modeled after a program that began in Texas and has been replicated in 22 states with over one million members nationwide! Based on rewards, not punishment, DFY is a prevention program administered by students with the guidance of adults.

Benefits of Drug Free Youth?

Youth who join will be making a serious commitment to remain drug free while a member of the program. Eligibility will be open to all youth within Whatcom County, at both the middle and high school levels. This program offers the following opportunities to students:

• Create value and support to youth making a choice to be drug free
• Offer incentives to members to reward them for their commitment
• Create accountability to drug free pledge with the use of voluntary testing

Participating merchants in Whatcom County are agreeing to offer discounts ranging from 10% or more to program members. This can add up to substantial savings. The program also is working to offer special drug free events for members, including both recreational and educational opportunities.

How the program works

To join, a youth registers for the program (with parental permission) and passes a urine drug test. All members are issued a non-transferable picture identification card. Card members are entitled to discounts for merchandise or services by sponsoring merchants and access to all the program services. Positive peer support is an equally important incentive. Continued compliance with Drug Free Youth's "no-use" drug policy is reinforced by random re-testing of members throughout the year. All testing is totally confidential, and test results are not reported to a member's school.

What drugs are being identified with the testing?

The Drug Free Youth program is using a testing panel that screens for alcohol, cocaine, amphetamines, marijuana, and opiates. This panel includes the predominant drugs of choice by teens. The test results are validated using strict laboratory procedures and the results are shared only with the member and his or her parents or legal guardian.

Who is involved in the Drug Free Youth program?

An advisory board will be formed representing community agencies, health agencies, business, law enforcement, schools, parents and youth to organize and oversee the operation of Drug Free Youth. This advisory board will serve under the umbrella of the STAR Task Force. The advisory board will be responsible for defining program policies. The advisory board will also be in charge of procuring merchant support and planning and promoting local events. Teens will have a prominent role on the advisory board to provide important input into all aspects of the program.