WVVA TV Bluefield Beckley WV News, Weather and SportsDrug abuse prevention speaker spreads message in Tazewell County
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Combatting drug abuse and addiction in Tazewell County has become a top priority for the community.
Wednesday and Thursday students are getting the opportunity to hear a positive message to hopefully help prevent these issues from a future generation.
Justin Lookadoo, a professional speaker and best selling author, traveled to Tazewell County from Texas and says he's focusing on a positive approach to reach students.
"He puts stuff in different perspective whenever he's talking to us. He's clear cut with what he's saying." says Sydney Altizer, a freshman at Richlands High School.
Justin Lookadoo's clear cut message is more than a laundry list of what kids should and should not do.
"It's all about your attitude, your character, your values, how to be a success. It's not how to be, 'not a drug user... Or not a thief.' I don't care about what you're not. I want to know what you are. So it's all about setting them up for success, for what their future is all about." explains Lookadoo.
This focus on a successful future was what Commonwealth's Attorney, Dennis Lee, thought the youth of our county needed to hear.
"The opportunity to bring Justin into our school system and have him talk about making correct choices, have him talk about character, about values, about consequences to your actions. It is just the thing that we need to try to get through to our kids." says Lee.
The drug prevention program was funded by the court settlement with Purdue Pharma, a drug company prosecuted for misleading advertising practices.
Lee says this just one more way the community is fighting back, refusing to let drug addiction take away our student's futures.
Lookadoo is helping spread that message.
"Everything that you do is all centered around, live your life with no regrets. If you do that, then we don't have to talk about the drugs, the alcohol, the sexual issues, all of that stuff. Because it doesn't fit into your plan." concludes Lookadoo.
"Drugs are really in high school and it's about peer pressure and stuff. So, you know, he's really good and I think his message will get across to a lot of people." adds Altizer..
Lookadoo is speaking with all the middle and high school students in Tazewell County.
Wednesday's event was a chance for area youth, churches and youth groups to hear Justin speak on his faith.
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