"Hitting Pay Dirt"

The term "hitting pay dirt" leads me to believe that something positive had occurred. A successful outcome to whatever type of project you were working on, a happy moment, positive situation, etc. It does not lead me to think of something in a negative way. In fact, Dictionary. Com explains the term this way..."any source of success or wealth, a fortunate discovery or profitable venture". So my view and understanding of the term is really not that far off. This leads me into the main topic of this post...this week's edition of the Azle News and its coverage of drugs being found at Azle High School.

Last week, Azle Police found drugs in 12 vehicles in the parking lot via a K-9 detection dog from Bridgeport Police Department. Officer David Vanderkaay stated that they usually only find one vehicle each time the dog comes to the school. Chief Myers stated that “It’s a big concern. Existing education programs don’t address the fact that the vast majority (of drug use by teens) is coming from prescriptions from the home." The story ends by saying that the Azle Police Department will be hosting "Shattered Dreams" this month.

In regards to the whole "pay dirt" thing...the story says that the "dog outside (in the parking lot) hit pay dirt. REALLY? Finding drugs in kids cars is hitting pay dirt? Finding drugs in 12 vehicles was a fortunate discovery? Do you really view this as success? I would also like to know what research Chief Myers has conducted concerning "existing education programs". How does he know that they do not address prescription drug use? What data is present that affirms his statement that the vast majority of drugs used by teen is coming from prescriptions from the home?

Tarrant County Challenge (tcchallenge.org) research does not support this statement and I would think they have done a bit more research than Chief Myers has. There are many "existing education programs" that cover the issue of prescription drugs...D.A.R.E. , T.E.A.M. and L.E.T.S. ALL cover prescription drug use. So I'm not sure what more education he wants. The Shattered Dreams Program is an anti-alcohol program sponsored by TABC. It is a fantastic program that focuses 100% on drinking and driving...not prescription drug use...I really am unsure why this was even mentioned in the article.

The fact remains...reaction to the problem continues to prevail...always playing defense... My hope and prayer is that some day...one guy within the Azle Police Department will quit putting bandaids on an arterial wound...if that were to happen...that would be hitting pay dirt.