Dash teaming up with W-S Police, Drug-Free NC

WINSTON-SALEM, N.C. - The Winston-Salem Police Department (WSPD), Winston-Salem Dash baseball club, and Partnership for a Drug-Free NC will team up to offer substance abuse prevention to Winston-Salem and its surrounding communities. The partnership represents the first of its kind in the country.

This community education campaign will launch during the 2009 season of the Winston-Salem Dash and will bring family-friendly activities to the ballpark including on field contests, group tickets for at-risk kids, and questionnaires on special nights to help parents and children start conversations regarding drug abuse.

Money seized during Winston-Salem drug busts will fund this community campaign in substance abuse awareness.

Scott Cunningham, Chief of the Winston-Salem Police Department, says he is thrilled for his department to interact with members of the community in a positive way on an important topic. "This ground-breaking partnership with Drug-Free NC and the Dash allows us to deliver timely, vital information to the families while they enjoy America's past-time."

"Family entertainment and activity can be driving forces in education and delivering messages to our youth," said Dash President Kevin Terry. "The WSPD and Partnership for a Drug-Free NC have done outstanding work, and we're thrilled to be a part of this new and innovative program."

"We know prevention begins at home," says Bert Wood, C.E.O. of Partnership for a Drug-Free NC, "and we feel touching parents and children in a fun, healthy atmosphere can only foster better conversations about the dangers of drug and alcohol abuse."