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Jackson County voters first approved a tax to "combat" drug use and drug-related crime in 1989. Later dubbed "COMBAT" -- for the Community Backed Anti-Drug Tax -- the tax has permitted Jackson County to approach the impact of drugs on individuals and entire communities as both a legal issue and public health crisis.
The three pillars of the COMBAT program are Prevention, Treatment and Law Enforcement:
 If we can prevent a person from ever trying drugs, the person won't ever become an addict. Therefore, many COMBAT-support programs are geared toward children and adolescents, trying to convince them to never have "first taste" of drugs.
COMBAT also funds treatment programs that literally save lives, helping drug abusers confront their addiction, "get clean" and stay clean as productive members of our society.
COMBAT plays a vital role in law enforcement efforts to shutdown illegal production, with an emphasis on targeting drug traffickers and the dealers.
COMBAT has been an unqualified success for more than two decades. Other communities from across the nation and even from around globe have attempted to duplicate what Jackson County has down to "combat" drug abuse and crime.
In short, COMBAT helps everyone, through reducing drug use and crime in our communities, making them safer places in which to live. From helping individuals get treatment to providing the resources to pursue and prosecute dealers, COMBAT makes a difference in all of our lives.
Tasked with the mission of "Making substance abuse history," COMBAT views drug abuse and crime as both a health crisis and legal matter. COMBAT takes a three-pronged approach to curtailing drug abuse: 1) Prevention; 2) Treatment; 3) Law Enforcement.
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Information Parents Need To Know
Talking To Your Kids About Drugs
 Have the "drug talk" with your kids early and often. Know your influence matters. Be prepared to answer the toughest question: "Did you use drugs?"
Drug Use Among Kids: Fiction vs. Facts
Don't let common misperceptions fool. Know the facts.
Signs Your Child May Be Using Drugs
 It's a question just about every parent will ask: "How can I tell if my child is using drugs or alcohol?" Learn about signs and symptoms associated with specific drugs.
High School & Youth Drug-Use Trends
Every year the Monitoring The Future survey measures drug, alcohol and cigarette among adolescent students nationwide.
How Drug Dealers Target Our Kids
 Make sure your kids are aware drug dealers are trying to get them hooked through a variety of deceptions, including disguising their drugs as candy and vitamins.
Get The Facts About Marijuana
It's the most commonly used illegal drug and is often viewed as less harmful. Discover how marijuana can be addictive and often leads to using so-called "harder" drugs.
Prescription Drug Abuse & Your Kids
 More teens are turning away from street drugs, but many are turning to drugs that can be found in the family medicine cabinet. Correct your kids' dangerous belief that just because they are prescribed by doctors these drugs are "safe."
'Date Rape' Drugs
Warn kids about the dangers of these drugs that someone may deceptively give them, with the intent of victimizing them.
Drug Effects On The Brain
Discover how the three drugs that teens most commonly use -- alcohol, marijuana and prescription drugs -- affect the brain.
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