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20
March 2000
Community Rallies to End Huffing
What:
Community advocates, teenagers, educators, law enforcement and health
professionals to kick off National Inhalants and Poisons Awareness Week,
create awareness and call for increased measures to address the growing
problem of inhalant abuse among middle school students.
Why:
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20 % or 1 in 5 Eighth graders have used inhalants to get high. The
trend points younger; in some cases, five years old. |
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The problem of inhalant abuse knows no demographic or socio-economic
boundaries; Prevalent in rural areas because of easy accessibility;
no corner drug deals, just kitchen cabinets, school supply closets,
home garages. |
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More than 1000 household products can be inhaled and abused from air
fresheners and shaving gel aerosols to butane lighters and whipping
cream can propellants. |
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In 1999, two deaths in San Diego County alone were caused by inhalant
abuse. |
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Inhalant use has become a silent epidemic. Adults have no clue. "I
remember finding washcloths with the outline of Seth's face that smelled
like air freshener," says Cynthia Bramley McCormick. "I never knew
what he was doing. I want other parents to know the warning signs
better than I did. By the time I figured it out it was too late." |
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Inhalants are extremely addictive poisons, never intended for human
consumption. "Seth was no longer in control, the inhalants had taken
over his life," says Bramley McCormick. |
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To possess, sell, distribute or dispense inhalants for the purpose
of getting high is illegal in California. |
When:
Mondday, March 20, 2000, 10:30 AM
Where:
Lakeside Union School District Office (outside)
12335 Woodside, Lakeside, CA (Woodside and Channel)
(Directions: I-67 North, exit Wintergardens Blvd., East on
Woodside to Channel)
Note:
Parent will talk about her son's death in Sept. 99 from inhalant abuse;
Visuals include display of poisonous inhalants and posters, pictures, obituary
and memorabilia from deceased teenager.
Spokespersons:
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Dr. Carol Leighty, Superintendent, Lakeside Union School District.
619-390-2610 |
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Bill McClurg, President, Communities Against Substance Abuse and Captain
of the El Cajon Police Department. 619-579-3354 |
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Cynthia Bramley McCormick, Parent. (Son died from inhalant abuse).
760-249-4916 |
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Donna Shepard, Community Advocate. (Childhood friend died from inhalant
abuse). 619-390-4706 |
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Dave Vialpando, CA Dept. of Justice, Bureau of Narcotics Enforcement.
619-645-2380 |
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Maureen Phillips, Education Coordinator, California Poison Control
System, San Diego Division. 1-800-876-4766 |
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Matthew Ellis, Sara Rapp, Cindy Comstock, high school students. |
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