PDAA Offers Drug Prevention Program – “Drugs Kill Dreams” – to Counties across Pennsylvania

HARRISBURG – The Pennsylvania District Attorneys Association (PDAA) is offering the longstanding “Drugs Kill Dreams” program in Armstrong County to all counties across Pennsylvania, giving local officials another tool to address the opioid crisis in their communities.

The Drugs Kill Dreams program was created in 2000 by Magisterial District Judge J. Gary DeComo of Armstrong County. Since then, thousands of young people and their parents have benefited from the anti-drug education program.

“For more than 20 years, the Drugs Kill Dreams program has been helping parents in Armstrong County educate their kids about the deadly consequences of abusing drugs and has been teaching kids about the dangers of drugs,” said Armstrong District Attorney Katie Charlton. “As district attorney, but more importantly as a parent, I am very grateful to Judge DeComo and the supporting organizations for creating this program and helping us combat the opioid epidemic in our county.”

PDAA recently assumed management of the Drugs Kill Dreams education program. In turn, PDAA decided to offer its curriculum and materials to officials in other Pennsylvania counties, hoping they too will recognize the benefits of educating parents and children about the dangers of drugs.

“We applaud all those in Armstrong County who worked on this collaborative effort,” said PDAA Executive Director Kelly Callihan. “And we are glad to offer this informative program to other counties and expand its reach in our state.”

Drugs Kill Dreams acts as an advocate for parents and caregivers, providing them with the resources and the latest information on addiction and abused substances. The program offers a guide to parents that clearly explains the dangers posed to children by smoking, vaping, marijuana, alcohol, prescription drugs, heroin and other illegal substances.

For more information, visit the Drugs Kill Dreams website or call PDAA at 717-238-5416.

###