FREE Drug Testing Now Available at Home Wednesday, February 01, 2012 By Senior Emily Carr Officer Proctor discusses the new drug tests with Senior Tim Morgan at a pajama-themed basketball game. - Garrett Ourth Advertising Each year, it seems kids are growing up more quickly. As Generation Y approaches adulthood, it seems the trend is becoming even more apparent. According to an article from the Associated Press, about 8.7% of Americans age 12 or older have been reported using illegal drugs. With statistics like that, it is easy to see why Cameron School Resource Officer James Proctor wanted to help hinder local teens from becoming a statistic. Now, if a parent is suspecting drug use in their teen, they can contact Officer Proctor and receive a free test for their teen. All the parents have to do is pay shipping and handling. “It’s an opportunity for parents to get a free drug test to give their child at home,” Officer Proctor said. While the system has just been implemented in Cameron, it is soon to be common all over Missouri. “The state of Missouri just got a website called Test Your Teen, which is where you can get the free drug test,” Officer Proctor added. He also said the test will allow local teens another way to say no to drugs. For example, if a teen were being told to participate in an illegal drug related activity, they could simply say, “No. I can’t because my parents test me.” The tests vary, but they have the capability to test for everything from marijuana to prescription drugs. As a parent, Health Teacher Ms. Kristi McIntosh is happy to see the tests made available to the community. “I think it’s a good idea, that way they can know what their kids are into and can get them help if they need it,” Ms. McIntosh said. She also agreed with Officer Proctor about the possibility of the tests giving teens another way to say no. “I think it will keep them out of trouble if they know their parents have the capability to test them for certain things,” she said. As a health teacher, Ms. McIntosh also said there are warning signs parents should look for when they suspect drug abuse including: loss of interest in things their teen used to like, being overly tired consistently, and lack of enthusiasm. If you suspect your child of drug use, Ms. McIntosh suggested contacting one of your child’s teachers. “Talk to their teachers, because teachers are going to know what students are into and what they are not into,” she said. As a student, Sophomore Jared Hamilton doesn't think the new test will affect him. “I guess it’s a good idea for the parents, but I don’t it will change my life at all. I talk to my parents a lot anyway,” Jared said. He also said he wouldn’t mind if his parents ask him to take the test, but it might cause somewhat of a rift. “I mean, I wouldn’t really care, but I would hope my parents would just trust me in the first place, or just ask me instead of take a test,” Jared said. Overall, the new drug test available to parents of Cameron should have a positive effect on the local teens. If you would like a voucher for a free drug test, call Officer Proctor at the high school at 816-632-2129. Otherwise, tests can be purchased at many stores on the Internet.

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