Drug-Free South Reaches Out at National Night Out

Nashville, TN, August 15, 2012 --(PR.com)-- Stopping crime before it starts: that is the idea behind a series of block parties that happened on August 7th throughout Nashville as part of National Night Out.

National Night Out is designed to heighten crime and drug prevention awareness; generate support for, and participation in, local anticrime programs; strengthen neighborhood spirit and police-community partnerships; and send a message to criminals letting them know that neighborhoods are organized and fighting back, according to natw.org.

This year was the 29th annual event marked as "America's night out against crime" held in cities and towns across the country and aims to prevent crime and drug use. More than 30 communities in Nashville participated in the program this year.

In the Edgehill neighborhood, groups came together and held an event with food, dancing, information booths and a crime forum to help promote a safer neighborhood.

Foundation for a Drug-Free South was one group that participated in the Night Out and its representatives said they were able to reach more people this year. “Everyone who came to the Night Out celebration was able to leave with a Truth About Drugs booklet,” according to Anne Vallieres of the Foundation. She said at least 400 booklets were distributed, many people taking extra copies to give to their friends and families. “It is important to get this booklet into many people’s hands so we can prevent drug abuse at all levels.”

Prior to the Night Out celebration, the Edgehill community held a crime forum with a panel of anti-gang organizations, police officers and the Foundation for a Drug-Free South. “This was an opportunity for us to collaborate and share information with the community on how drugs affect everyone,” says Vallieres.

For more information on National Night Out, visit natw.org. For more information on the Foundation for a Drug-Free South or to order a Truth About Drugs booklet, visit drugfreesouth.org.