PUERTO RICO SUN

Health News Teen Drug Treatment Jumps 65 Percent Over Decade, Federal Study Says WASHINGTON, Aug. 31 /PRNewswire/ -- The number of admissions to substance abuse treatment for adolescents ages 12 to 17 increased again in 2002, continuing a ten-year trend. These data were released today in the "Treatment Episode Data Set: National Admissions to Substance Abuse Treatment Services 1992-2002" by the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA). The new data show that the number of adolescents ages 12 to 17 admitted to substance abuse treatment increased 65 percent between 1992 and 2002. In 1992, adolescents represented 6 percent of all treatment admissions. By 2002, this proportion had grown to 9 percent. This report expands upon data published in May in the "Treatment Episode Data Set (TEDS) Highlights 2002." The increase in substance abuse treatment admissions among 12 to 17 year olds was largely due to the increase in the number of admis...

source: jointogether.org Most Crimes in Puerto Rico Linked to Illegal Weapons 8/30/2004 Testifying before the U.S. House of Representatives Committee of Public Integrity, Pio Rechani Lopez, the executive director of the Institute of Forensic Science, said most of the crimes in Puerto Rico are committed with illegal and stolen weapons, the Associated Press reported Aug. 27. "There are illegal weapons arriving from other countries or the United States that enter the island as contraband that are more used for these types of crimes. The majority of the firearms used in murders and crimes are assault weapons, like the AR-15 or the AK-47," Rechani Lopez said. Rechani Lopez said it's difficult to monitor the flow of illegal weapons into Puerto Rico because some assault weapons illegally entering the island are obtained legally in states like Kentucky and Texas. Note: This article is online at http://www.jointogether.org/z/0,2522,574404,00.html Visit www.jo...

Featured Site Escape to Puerto Rico (there is a link to the site from the prsun.blogspot). But there is one more reason to visit. Check out: http://escape.topuertorico.com/postcards/new.shtml I am pleased to report that my photos are featured at Escape to Puerto Rico as part of its Puerto Rico e-cards collection. My work is located under the categories: Old San Juan http://escape.topuertorico.com/postcards/oldsj8.shtml Churches http://escape.topuertorico.com/postcards/church4.shtml Folklore http://escape.topuertorico.com/postcards/folklore3.shtml Thanks.

book Originally uploaded by Manny . By Manny Hernandez Manny, who regularly contributes to Puerto Rico Sun articles on education and Latino issues, is the author of the Latino/a Literature book, a resource for young adults and standardized testing in America.

Essay The Latino Agenda in the Upcoming Elections: Education By Manuel Hernandez There has been a lot of talk that Latinos are now the largest minority in the United States. According to recent projections, close to half of the population will be Latino by half of the 21st Century. Hispanic Magazine describes the phenomenon as the “Minority Nation.” The Latino population growth has surpassed all predictions and continues to baffle census specialists. There are many Latino issues on top of the electoral table, but the following seem to be the most relevant: home ownership, immigration, health insurance, economic growth, security and education. As a hard-core believer in the power of education, all of the issues served on the electoral table are appetizers of a quality education. It was in 1967 with the publication of "Down These Mean Streets" that the legendary pioneer of Latino letters, Piri Thomas, made “El Barrio” in Manhattan a household name. The classic au...

Featured site: Association of Hispanic Arts ( www.latinoarts.org ) Founded in 1975, the Association of Hispanic Arts, Inc. (AHA) is a not-for-profit organization dedicated to the advancement of Latino arts, artists and arts organizations as an integral part of the cultural life of the nation. It facilitates projects and programs designed to foster the appreciation, growth and well being of the Latino cultural community. Site includes listings of opportunities for Latinos interested in developing films, information about art exhibitions and culture events and a book store featuring literature on and by Latinos. Worth a visit.

Literacy Tips for Latino Families WASHINGTON, Aug. 23 /PRNewswire/ -- It's a growing trend: more education experts are offering bilingual resources addressing the needs of Latino families. From the launch of PBS's Maya & Miguel family-themed website and television program later this fall, to online resources such as Reading Rockets' www.colorincolorado.com, the message is clear that reaching the growing Latino audience -- even with literacy advice -- demands special cultural consideration. (Photo: http://www.newscom.com/cgi-bin/prnh/20040823/NYFNSF02 ) "Getting children and families of all backgrounds excited about reading requires more than a one-size-fits-all solution," said Carol H. Rasco, president and CEO of Reading Is Fundamental, the nation's oldest and largest children's and family literacy organization. "By offering resources tailored specifically to empower Latino families, we're taking an important step in reinforcing ...