Countywide : Winfield Anti-Drug Plan Introduced

Turn It Around, a drug education program created by California Angels outfielder Dave Winfield, was introduced in Orange County this week and organizers hope that it will be used in area classrooms.

“Overall it’s something that’s needed around the country,” Winfield said. “People have to know that today’s kids are different than kids 25 years ago. . . . Substance abuse makes it a different world out there.”

The core of the 1-year-old program is a kit that includes a workbook, a 19-minute instructional video and posters that teach instructors and other adult leaders to help children improve self-esteem, set goals and learn positive alternatives to drug abuse.

The program is aimed at children in grades three to fiveand encourages a one-on-one approach between teachers or group leaders and the youngsters.

The kit sells for $95, but the Dave M. Winfield Foundation held a luncheon Thursday to introduce the program to local business leaders to encourage them to buy the kits for area schools.

Ellen R. Mednick, director of creative services for the 14-year-old nonprofit foundation, said about half a dozen businesses at the luncheon committed to buying the kit for local schools.

“We understand this is a time when schools are not able to do that on their own,” Mednick said.

She added that while the instructional material was created by a team of child education specialists after a two-year study of existing drug education programs, Winfield came up with the idea for the kit.

“I just used to give a lot of speeches and I always thought, ‘There’s got to be a better way to duplicate what I know,’ ” Winfield said. “I have skilled professionals who run the workshops, but many times I make an appearance.”