Q & A: James Dodd's efforts to prevent teen drug use

When you’re in the drug-testing business, you get a pretty good look at the personal and family problems that come with drug use and addiction.

That view led Conspire to seek ways to reach out to teens in the Pikes Peak region in an effort to prevent them “from ever trying drugs once,” said James Dodd, director of marketing and business development for the company.
Conspire (formerly known as H&L Drug Compliance Inc.) has been in Colorado Springs about six years and is selling franchises because drug testing is a fast-growing business.

Most of the company’s business is in drug testing and background checks for large companies and government organizations.

But it’s the heartbreaking family stories workers hear when parents bring in teens for drug screening that prompted the company to seek ways it could help educate people about the dangers of drug use, he said.

That, in turn, led to the creation of Intention Prevention, a program aimed at teens that includes sending company-sponsored text messages about free or low-cost activities for teens.

Dodd recently answered questions about the fledgling program.

Question: How did Intention Prevention get started?

Answer: We worked with Linda Weise, (executive director) of the Colorado Springs Conservatory.
She handpicked kids from throughout the city and formalized a focus group so we could talk about teen issues. Our first meeting was April 28 and the kids talked about parties, drugs and alcohol and prescription drugs.
They identified the problem and came up with solutions. Basically we heard that kids are bored in the city.

Q: What happened after that?

A: We came up with the IP texting program. The kids didn’t like the Intention Prevention name, so they call it IP. EchoNeeke Concepts came up with a way to make it affordable — and free to kids. The Hub (Car Wash & Diner) committed to one month to get it started.
We’re trying to get sponsors to pay for text messages to go out for events, at the rate of 6 cents a text. So you can reach 100 kids for $6.
The idea is for companies to sponsor an event to draw kids in and give them something to do. This is an affordable way to reach kids because everybody texts.

Q: How do teens sign up?

A: They text 839863, then type in “IP” in the message area and you’re subscribed. You get texts only from businesses offering kids something to do.

Q: How are you getting the word out?

A: We are partnering with EchoNeeke to have a launch party.
This was just introduced a few weeks ago, so we’re trying to get more sponsors and work out details. It’ll be this year.

Q: Have other sponsors committed?

A: We are working with Sky Sox stadium. Rock Bottom Brewery has agreed to create something for teens, we have The Hub, we’re talking to bowling alleys. Some movie theaters are interested, and the Gay and Lesbian Fund is interested.

Q: How many teens are in the focus group?

A: We had seven, but lost three to graduation. All of those remaining are from (Colorado Springs School) District 11, and we want other districts represented. (To get involved, contact Dodd at 355-1401.)

Q: Why is Conspire pursing this?

A: We’re very passionate about the drug problem because of what we see in the clinic on a daily basis. We’re a for-profit company, yes, but we’re not doing this for profit. Intention Prevention came from wanting to prevent teens from ever trying drugs once.
The kids have said some of the programs in place right now don’t work. We’ve had keynote speakers at each of our town halls, people closer to their age, not a policeman in uniform in the classroom.
We want to keep moving forward. We’re looking for new ideas. The kids created a video, “Not My Kid,” through the Conservatory that says don’t judge a kid by the cover. It’s powerful.

Q: Anything you’d like to add?

A: We would love the support of businesses — anyone who wants to help keep kids off drugs.
These are good kids and we’re allowing them the opportunity to be heard. No matter how shocking they were, we’re using the information to find solutions. Parents must remember that drugs aren’t what they used to be.
They’re geared toward kids to get them addicted.
—
Call the writer at 636-0251.