McAlester, Oklahoma – Narconon Arrowhead, one of the largest and most effective drug and alcohol rehabilitation programs in the country has helped to sponsor a grassroots campaign throughout southeastern Oklahoma designed to get drugs out and arts in called Take McAlester Back. The long-term inpatient drug rehabilitation program worked with the McAlester Chamber, Pride in McAlester, McAlester Main Street and nearly 30 other local sponsors to kick off the official event this weekend.
The event was held on Choctaw Avenue starting with a 10k race and a drug free pledge to commemorate Red Ribbon Week; the oldest and largest drug prevention campaign in the world. People from all ages stepped up to pledge a drug free life. The main event followed that night with a benefit concert held at the Scottish Rites Auditorium at the Masonic Temple. The concert featured Miss Jana Jae, first lady of country fiddle and a star on the Hee Haw Show, newcomers Camille and Haley Harris, playing their song "Wake Up Your City," and McAlester's favorite fiddle player Michael Ginsburg.
The event was hosted by Host Comedian of the Comedy Store in Hollywood and Tonight Show Regular Argus Hamilton with all proceeds donated to restore the Okla Theatre in McAlester.
The concert also featured Jana Jae's band Hotwire, U.K. artist Barbie Riley Wiggins, and Sandra and Robyn Coleman as well as McAlester's own Mayor, Kevin Priddle, who took part in the events by playing with Ms. Jae throughout the evening.
Take McAlester Back’s message is simple; to get drugs out and arts in. The city has a rich artistic history and an abundance of creativity but unfortunately, has been plagued by drug and alcohol addiction.
Take McAlester Back intends to create a variety of programs for southeastern Oklahoma residents including art, music and acting programs for children and adults alike.
The group has received national support for the campaign with a video issued by the Office of the National Drug Control Policy’s Director Gil Kerlikowske. The campaign has also received a proclamation from Oklahoma Governor Brad Henry, a Citation from Senator Todd Lamb, and Lieutenant Governor Jari Askins has announced October 23rd as Take McAlester Back Day.
Take McAlester Back’s next project is opening a multi-cultural arts center that is going to be sponsored by Narconon Arrowhead.
Narconon Arrowhead has been in operation in the state of Oklahoma for over 20 years and takes part in many community activities’s designed to help prevent drug and alcohol addiction in the state of Oklahoma and around the country.
For more information on Narconon Arrowhead or to get help for someone you love that is struggling with a drug or alcohol addiction contact Narconon today at 800-468-6933 or log onto www.stopaddiction.com.
Drug-Abuse
