D.A.R.E. is a proactive program that educates pre-teens about the dangers of commonly abused drugs such as tobacco, alcohol, marijuana, inhalants, and about peer pressure that comes along with these drugs.

The D.A.R.E. Program was established in the early 1980's by the Los Angles Police Department. D.A.R.E. is now being taught all over the United States as well as in more than 54 countries worldwide.

Washington County 5th grade students participate in a 10 week program, then they are recognized at a D.A.R.E. Graduation which has a quest speaker and they each receive a certificate of achievement for their dedication to stay drug free.

Washington County currently has an average of 600 D.A.R.E. Graduates each year. All of these are taught by Washington County D.A.R.E. Officer Mitzie Miller. Deputy Miller is responsible for teaching the course to all 8 county schools that currently participate in the D.A.R.E. Program.