Drug Awareness

Committee Chair – Terese Caiazzo

DRUG AWARENESS COMMITTEE

The Drug Awareness Committee is comprised of volunteer members who are dedicated to educating the community about the dangers and impacts of illegal substances and substance abuse.  The committee works to support the national Elks Drug Awareness Program is is the largest of its kind in the country.  From a young age, the Drug Awareness Program asks kids to think about what it means to be drug free. Through the program’s annual essay and poster contests, kids can express their feelings on rejecting peer pressure. At events, including Red Ribbon Week ceremonies, Elks and their friends serve as role models who show kids that living drug free is the way to be.

To join the committee , click HERE.

Elks Drug Awareness Program: A Legacy of Prevention and Education

The Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks (BPOE) has long been known for its community service, youth outreach, and charitable giving. Among its most impactful initiatives is the Elks Drug Awareness Program (DAP)—the nation’s largest volunteer drug education and prevention effort. Since its inception in the early 1980s, the DAP has been at the forefront of educating youth and families about the dangers of drug use, working tirelessly to build safer, healthier communities across the United States.

Responding to a Growing Crisis

The 1970s and 1980s marked a turning point in America’s battle against drug abuse. With increasing concern over the use of narcotics among young people, communities began seeking proactive solutions. In response to this national crisis, the Elks launched the Drug Awareness Program in 1983, driven by a vision of prevention through education.

The program was established with a clear and urgent mission: to teach children the facts about drugs before they are exposed to them. Elks lodges across the country mobilized quickly, developing educational materials, partnering with schools and law enforcement, and engaging families in the fight against drug misuse.

Built on Volunteerism and Community

From the beginning, the DAP has been a grassroots movement, powered by Elks members who volunteer their time, resources, and passion. Local lodges became hubs of activity, hosting workshops, distributing literature, and sponsoring school assemblies. The Elks took a hands-on approach, understanding that education is most effective when it comes from trusted community members.

This local engagement has been a hallmark of the program’s success. By focusing on youth in their own neighborhoods and schools, the Elks built relationships of trust and support that continue to this day.

Educational Tools and Outreach

Over the years, the Elks Drug Awareness Program has produced a wide range of educational materials tailored for different age groups and audiences. One of its most recognizable tools is the Elroy the Elk mascot—a friendly character used to connect with younger children and teach them about the dangers of drugs, tobacco, and alcohol in an age-appropriate way.

The Elks also partner with schools, youth organizations, and law enforcement agencies to offer:

• Drug Awareness essays and poster contests
• Public service announcements
• Informational brochures and videos
• Red Ribbon Week activities
• School assembly speakers and town hall meetings

In recent years, the program has expanded its focus to include the dangers of vaping, prescription drug misuse, and mental health awareness, responding to the evolving landscape of substance use and addiction.

Partnerships and National Reach

The Elks DAP has worked in collaboration with numerous national organizations, including the DEA (Drug Enforcement Administration), Partnership for Drug-Free Kids, and Mothers Against Drunk Driving (MADD). These partnerships have enhanced the program’s credibility and reach, helping Elks bring professional-grade educational materials to schools and communities.

Each year, the DAP distributes millions of pieces of literature at no cost, reaching children, parents, and educators across all 50 states. The program’s website and social media presence have further extended its impact, offering downloadable materials and online engagement tools.

Impact and Recognition

The success of the Elks Drug Awareness Program lies not only in its scale but in its enduring relevance. The program has adapted over four decades to meet new challenges, including the opioid epidemic and the rise of synthetic drugs. By maintaining a flexible, responsive approach, the DAP continues to be a trusted voice in prevention education.

Many local DAP events have become annual traditions, drawing wide community support and media coverage. Elks lodges are often recognized by schools and civic leaders for their ongoing commitment to keeping youth drug-free.

Looking Ahead

As the Elks Drug Awareness Program enters its fifth decade, its mission remains as vital as ever. With substance use still posing a major threat to youth and families, the Elks are doubling down on their efforts—reaching out to schools, exploring digital platforms, and mentoring the next generation of advocates.

The strength of the DAP lies in its heart: a nationwide brotherhood and sisterhood of volunteers who believe that informed children are empowered children. Thanks to their dedication, the Elks continue to lead the way in making prevention a community effort—one student, one classroom, and one conversation at a time.

Alongside the Elks, is Elroy, the DAP mascot meeting w/the kids to spread his message that “Hugs are better than Hugs”!   The Elks provided 40 pizzas, 14 dozen chocolate chip cookies and provided raffles for the kids. 

On 3/19/25, GG Lodge #1952 partnered with Santa Ana Lodge #794 to participate in the Elks 3rd year with OC Grip Youth Enrichment Soccer Program in which we provide lunch for approximately 130 students and 30 staff.  The OC Grip Program (Orange County Gang Reduction and Intervention Program) was developed to prevent targeted at-risk minors from joining criminal street gangs and to enable them to graduate from high school free from destructive criminal behavior.  OC Grip is a collaborative effort between the OC DA’s office, OC Sheriff’s Dept., and various police dept’s with the goal to prevent minors from joining criminal street gangs.  The OC Grip program operates in over 60 schools in 15 cities countywide.