This week, April 25 though May 1 has been proclaimed Drug Free Coalition week in Rockwood.

As a preemptive strike against drinking and drug use at Prom on Saturday, the Coalition has put up posters such as the PROMise poster, asked local florists to put drug free cards with flowers, done demonstrations with the “Seatbelt Convincer and hosted a drunk driving accident simulation.

Parent volunteers also helped nearby police stations collect old and unused prescription medication so that it could not be abused by teenagers.

Assistant Principal Kirti Mehrotra, a member of the coalition, said on Prom night, there will also be extra officers out patrolling the roads and dispersing rowdy parties. “They will be more vigilant and there will be more of them,” Mehrotra said.

The Coalition, which is made up of a group of parents, students and community members, hopes to take steps to prevent and address substance abuse among area youth.

 The Young Leaders Academy, sponsored by the coalition, teaches kids skills such as leadership, team building and organization.

“The Young Leaders Academy is at not cost to the kids. It draws from the STAR program in high schools as well as the TREND program in middle schools,” said Mehrotra.

The Coalition also encourages area businesses not to serve alcohol to minors. Police officers send an underage teenager into a company or bar for alcohol. If the business refuses, they are recognized for upholding the law.

“We are trying different gas stations and restaurants as well,” Mehrotra said. “When a business doesn’t serve alcohol to a minor, we want to appreciate that.”

Even after Prom week, the Drug Free Coalition plans on continuing its work to educate the public and prevent drug abuse.

“We need to see how prevalent these things are becoming in Rockwood,” Mehrotra said.