WASHINGTON –
In an effort to promote safety and bolster community ties, members of the District of Columbia National Guard Counterdrug Program engaged with D.C area youth on July 19, in support of the summer outreach series "Beat the Streets/Late Night Hype" hosted by the Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) and DC Department of Parks and Recreation. The community initiative encourages togetherness, improves community relations, and brings resources to communities who need it most.
“The District of Columbia National Guard is dedicated to fostering safe, healthy, and thriving communities. Our Drug Demand Reduction Outreach program is a cornerstone of this commitment, focusing on reducing the demand for drugs through education, prevention, and community support,” said Chief Master Sgt.Earl Reyes, counterdrug coordinator, D.C. National Guard.
The weekly event is held at a different location every Friday during the summer months, and brings live music, food, games, and art to children and adults. The goal is to offer residents safe spaces to connect. One way the D.C. National Guard Counterdrug Program supports the city in accomplishing this goal is through the reduction of illicit drug activities and drug demand across all wards through outreach.
“Our partnership with the Metropolitan Police Department and others are invaluable, as they play a vital role in delivering crucial information directly to our neighbors, fostering a safer and more informed society,” said Sgt. Angelis Hunter, CDP civil operator, D.C. National Guard.
At northeast Washington’s Turkey Thicket Recreation Center, Sgt. Hunter leveraged her specialized military skills to effectively guide and coach residents on the health risks, legal consequences, and social impacts of drug abuse. Effective strategies aimed at reducing substance abuse within their communities.
Parents like D.C. resident “Dauntay” acknowledged the importance of youth focused community gatherings. "It gives them a positive atmosphere...that could be their only chance to see they don't have to engage in anything crazy."
In addition to awareness and community engagement efforts, the D.C. National Guard Counterdrug Program has criminal analysts integrated with law enforcement agencies. Their main objective is to disrupt the financing, production, transportation, and distribution of illicit drugs. Last fiscal year, the program helped law enforcement agencies seize over $200,000 (estimated street value) in drugs to include fentanyl, cocaine, heroin, and prescriptions.
"I am proud to affirm that our Counterdrug Program is fully aligned with Mayor Bowser's priority of eradicating illegal drugs in the District,” said Marcus Hunt, director, D.C. Government Operations-D.C. National Guard. “Together, we are taking decisive action to protect our community and enhance the quality of life in our nation's capital.”
By participating in events like the MPD's Beat the Streets/ Late Night Hype summer series, the D.C. National Guard Counterdrug Program will continue a multi-layered approach between the military, local government agencies, and the community. Reyes says these frequent engagements can lead to a more cooperative environment and support the city’s response to drugs and associated threats.
“We strive to create an environment where every member of the community can reach their full potential, free from the negative impacts of substance abuse,” he said.