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The Freeport Pride, Inc. Drug Abuse Prevention Program is designed to prevent the onset of drug
abuse in young people by creating an environment in the community that discourages drug, alcohol and
tobacco use. Prevention services include youth groups, drug prevention presentations and community
organization. Our prevention program is based on the Social Learning Model of drug prevention.
The primary activity of the prevention program is the Operation Pride Youth Committee, an anti-drug
youth group run in cooperation with the Freeport Public Schools. Students become members of the Youth
Committee by attending four consecutive meetings and pledging to remain drug free. The Youth Committee
(or O.P. as it is often called) includes a peer leadership approach to change the rules, to make it “cool”
to be drug free, and to reverse the peer pressure and other influences that often push young people toward
using or selling drugs. O.P. members learn about substance and tobacco abuse, strengthen their resolve to
remain drug free and support each other's drug free behavior. Members conduct activities to spread an
anti-drug message, including assembly (often utilizing the arts) and classroom presentations, community
action efforts and special events. It is our belief that our Freeport High School chapter is the largest
anti-drug youth group in any high school in New York State.
Nassau County Department of Mental Health, Chemical Dependency & Developmental Disabilities Services
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