Disney to Help Launch Anti-Drug Program

Third-graders may soon be persuaded by Disney characters to stay off drugs. But not by Mickey, Goofy or Pluto.

Instead, Disney Crew, a drug resistance program being prepared for the city’s 22 elementary schools by the first of the year, will use specially created puppets to spread the message.

Patterned after a similar Walt Disney Co. program in Orlando, Fla., the Anaheim effort will reach 2,700 students.

The Anaheim Police and Orange County Sheriff’s departments will serve “in an advisory capacity” for the Disney employees in charge of the weekly program, said Disneyland spokesman Tom Brocato.

Besides discouraging drug use, officials hope the program will build self-esteem and promote good decision-making skills, Brocato said. The characters will role-play with students to strengthen the relationship.

Disneyland President Paul Pressler said Disney Crew focuses on 8-year-olds because at that age “it is still not too late for us to make a difference.”

The program “will reach them in the right way, using enjoyable, attention-getting Disney entertainment to present a compelling message,” Pressler said.

Anaheim City School District Supt. Roberta Thompson said Disney Crew would become the fourth elementary school program geared toward drug prevention and health education. There were no concerns about commercialism, she said. In fact, Thompson predicted the Disney name will help keep the youngsters’ attention.

“Each grade level needs something a little different to get the message across,” Thompson said. “The more ways you can mix it up, the better.”

School district, law enforcement and Disney officials will be meeting over the next few months to work out the specifics of the program, which will be funded by Disneyland.

“We’re several months away from making this a reality,” Brocato said. “But when we do, it’s going to be a valuable tool in drug-resistance education.”