ATLANTA — Hispanic high school students use drugs and attempt suicide at higher rates than their black and white classmates, according to a new federal survey that shows a continuation of a disturbing trend.

The study is the latest in a series of surveys of U.S. high school students every two years. The new report noted that black and white students are reporting less sexual activity than in years past, but there was no decline among Hispanics.

In addition, Hispanic students were more likely than either blacks or whites to attempt suicide, ride with a driver who had been drinking alcohol, or use cocaine, heroin or ecstasy.

View the article here in the Santa Fe New Mexican

The mission of Guitars not Guns is to provide guitars and lessons to foster children, at risk youth and other deserving children. We serve children between the ages of 8 and 18. No child will be turned away. We are not anti-gun, we are anti-gun violence and we can offer an alternative to violence.

Our goal is to stop violent behaviors in schools and in the community. We will try to divert as many children as possible from the self-destructive behaviors of drugs, alcohol, crime and gang activity. By exposing children and teens to music, we hope to engage their creative potential and offer them an alternative to the increasing narrow of choices presented to them. Music can calm a troubled young life and it can give a child something to embrace during an often difficult time in their lives.

IF you live in Santa Fe this is a great program your child. Please find out more info about Guitars not Guns at their website here

They are also on myspace

More info here as published in the Santa Fe New Mexican.