Boone County Alliance uses zoo trip to warn teens about drugs

Monday marks the kick-off to Red Ribbon Week, a national drug abuse prevention campaign.  For some Northern Kentucky teens, the week means a trip to the zoo and a scavenger hunt as part of a unique way to discourage drug abuse. The Boone County Alliance wanted students to participate in the Red Ribbon Week summit so they could see that being drug-free is a good choice.  "We want young people to be as educated as possible about the dangers of drugs, alcohol and other substances," Boone County Alliance Chairman Ben Brown said.  Many teens have firsthand knowledge of someone close to them that uses drugs. "It's kind of hard sometimes because I know they shouldn't be doing that and it's bad for them," Boone County High School junior John Mark Shutt said. "But in the end, it's their choice." Abby Beausir with the Boone County Alliance said they try to give children information and offer support. "Every kid's affected, no matter if it's their parent, if it's their friend's parent," she said.  Bringing the children to the zoo is a different way to talk about drug prevention, but they said the message is the same. "If you decide to be preventative and not go down the road of drugs and alcohol, then your future will be that much better," Brown said.  Boone County's annual "Hope For Boone County" town hall meeting is at 7 p.m. Monday at Crossroads Church in Florence. 9 On Your Side's Lisa Smith will be emceeing the event.