For Immediate Release 5/30/07

New Community Agency

Prairie State Prevention Education, Inc. (PSPE, Inc.) announces the opening of its office at 189 E. U.S. Hwy 40, Troy, Illinois. Prairie State Prevention Education, Inc., is a newly organized, 501 (c)(3) tax exempt, not-for-profit, organization founded by Andrea Shaw, LCSW, Deborah Eck and William Shaw. The Board of Directors include: Neil Goodwin, Edward Jones, Coral C.J. Stiles, The Bank of Edwardsville and James Romack, Chief Probation Officer, Bond County.

Prairie State Prevention Education, Inc. is dedicated to its Mission: To promote healthy choices and lifestyles by providing evidence-based prevention education services to the people of Southern Illinois.

Specifically, PSPE, Inc., will provide prevention education to the rural communities of Madison, St. Clair, Bond and Clinton Counties. These services will be presented in rural community settings, schools, faith-based locations, or other forums with the goal of reaching those individuals in areas lacking prevention services or considered at risk.

Although multiple prevention programs are available to address bullying, delinquency or other at-risk behaviors, the predominant concern is the prevention of alcohol, tobacco and other drug abuse. This concern is further supported with recent data indicating that rural communities lead urban areas in admissions for alcohol and methamphetamine treatment (http://www.oas.samhsa.gov/dasis.htm). In addition, 4,648 Youth (12-17) were admitted for Alcohol or other Drug Treatment in Illinois Rural communities in FY05. (State of Illinois Department of Human Services, Division of Alcoholism and Substance Abuse, & Division of Planning and Performance Management. (2005) Data Book.)

During the initial development phase of the agency, efforts are focused on securing general operating funds through a variety of fundraisers, state, local or federal grants, local individuals and businesses, corporate donations, sponsorships and philanthropic solicitations. The financial target for 2007-2008 is $250,000, which would enable initial prevention programs to begin in Fall, 2007. Local business supporters include Edward Jones, The Bank of Edwardsville and The Korte Company.

Please support these efforts with a tax-deductible donation with your check made payable to: Prairie State Prevention Education, Inc., (EIN 56-259659). For further information, please contact 618.520.6963 or visit www.PrairieStatePE.org. Thank you in advance for your support and commitment to a Drug-Free Community.