Three area schools chosen for steroids prevention program, By: Eric Pfahler

May 9, 2006

WEST PALM BEACH — Sports Illustrated and the Center for Health Promotion at the Oregon Health & Science University (OHSU) announced Monday that 17 Florida high schools — including three on the Treasure Coast — will receive program training in drug prevention and health promotion.

Jensen Beach, Sebastian River and the new Treasure Coast High School were among the schools named by Sports Illustrated and OHSU at the Palm Beach County Convention Center event, which was hosted by the Florida High School Athletic Association and Hanley Center, a substance abuse treatment facility in West Palm Beach.

"I think it's going to be nothing but positive," said Jensen Beach softball coach Lori Miller, who joined volleyball and weightlifting coach Mike Sawtelle at the announcement. "The stuff they have ready to incorporate, I think, is very beneficial."

The schools, which will be part of the model SI SCHOOLS, will receive Athletes Training and Learning to Avoid Steroids (ATLAS) and Athletes Targeting Healthy Exercise and Nutrition Alternatives (ATHENA), valued at approximately $35,000 per school. The programs are designed to promote healthy choices and educate students about the negative effects of steroid use.

In all, four state were chosen to receive grants, and 45 Florida schools had applied to be part of the program.

More than 200 high school coaches and administrators representing more than 70 schools attended Tuesday's conference.

"We educated them on all the things they can do to help their athletes achieve without performance-enhancing drugs," said Jan Cairnes, the manager of prevention programs at Hanley Center.