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NFLA Drug Prevention Program

Red Ribbon NFL ALumni Drug Clinic

October 25, 2005 - Time: 11:00 - 2:00 p.m.

Celebrity Guest Speakers --- Eason Ramson Award Given

The NFL Alumni Taking Action Against Drug Abuse.

An Educational Anti Drug Program now in effect,
by Elizabeth Fajardo, The Inspector Staff Writer

On February 21, the National Football League Alumni (NFLA) held a special luncheon to kick off it's new Drug Prevention and Education Program. "The Walk for Life," was the NFL Alumni's first planned event, and on April 23rd the program was successfully launched. This was in honor of Belmont's Irma Perez. Perez who was a student at Ralston Middle School in Belmont when she died after trying the drug Ecstasy for the first time. This sad event struck the entire community and Carolyn Hoskins, who is an active member of the NFLA, decided to take action.

Hoskins sits on the Board of Directors for the NFLA Northern California Chapter and now Hoskins is the Director for the new Anti Drug and Education program. Prior to the festivities, pamphlets were distributed by Ms. Hoskins, the pamphlets outlined the path for "The Walk Of Life," which started at The Twin Pines Center at 1225 Ralston Avenue, and ended at Ralston Middle School. For Hoskins and the former NFL players this hit close to home.

"My grandson Domini had gone to school with Irma. They were good friends," she said shaking her head as she inadvertently delivered her thoughts.

"She was a very special young lady. We want to celebrate Irma's life." We are committed to educate these students about drug use and all its dangerous probabilities.

An air of solemnity permeates the room as guests take their seats in the Redwood City reception hall of the Bruce Bosley Memorial Building (named after the famed 49er offensive tackle). The walls are graced with a gallery of Hall of Fame oil paintings, from four-time Super-Bowl-winning-quarterback Joe Montana, to the ageless Jerry Rice (who is instrumental in generating support for the "Walk for Life"), to coach, Bill Walsh, and all the other NFL stand-outs. Honorary host Henry Ford, also known as Model T. Ford, makes certain to shake every hand, as he recalls his early days in the NFL on the Pittsburgh Steelers.

"I played when there were only 16 black players in the league," he said. "Back then it was all hard work. The pleasure of winning comes from knowing you have done your best without the help of drugs."

Several Speakers were on hand to share their experiences at having worked with troubled teens hoping to prevent another worst-case scenario. The talks began with Floyd Burrell, an alcohol and drug abuse counselor.

"I've been in the community for twenty years. When I was a child, maybe five years old, I remember parents, grandparents, aunts and uncles going to my games. Now as kids get older, you're lucky to have an auntie on hand," said Burrell, a recovering alcoholic, whose daughter Kathleen was in class with Irma.

His motto is F.E.A.R.: Face Everything And Recovery.

"We feel it is not just a Ralston issue. It is a community issue," he said.

"There is also the education side. Our classes are not all about substance abuse. At the core is self esteem, peer pressure and social skills. When you get that foundation you are better prepared to deal with everything else," he added.

Next on hand was Wilford Sinceno, Adult Facility Director of the East Palo Alto Daytop Village program.

"The key is honesty," said Sinceno. "The kids want to be honest, to let them (the parents) know what happens."

Instead the teens, he explained, more often than not, choose to talk to a counselor. "They are non-judgmental." he said.

Besides role-playing, there is encouragement to, "Reject the crowd," Sinceno stated. "We equip them with the knowledge in order to prevent a dependent situation."

Feedback from the students has been positive. Some have expressed their appreciation in the form of writing.

"The kids are the people of tomorrow," the Daytop director stressed. "Hopefully they will pass on the message to someone else."

The final speaker was Eason Ramson, the former Forty Niner tight-end, whose energy and no-holds-barred appeal was apparent by the applause. His approach was succinct and to the point. "We give the kids tools to adequately deal with peer pressure," he said.

Ramson presented a familiar scenario involving a child and temptation on the street. For emphasis, the Niner Super Bowl champ, who excelled on the much-touted '81 team, took on the part of the minor.

"I have a split second to make a decision. So I need to develop tools." His suggestion is to provide for the kids "a tool box with information."

It is a treasure chest that is filled weekly by each dedicated counselor, hoping that at the right place and the right time, a youngster will be able to choose wisely before it's too late.

For more information or to make donations to the program, interested parties may contact the NFL Alumni Office at (650) 366-3659.

A COMMUNITY UNITES, Irma Perez Remembered