The scourge of illegal drug use and substance abuse in small communities has prompted two Oil City neighborhood associations to jointly sponsor a public event aimed at calling attention to the problem.

"We are focused on having Oil City become a drug-free community," said Venice Lewis, leader of the North Side Association. "Anything we can do to get drugs off the streets, we'll do it. It's all about drugs."

One way is to create a drug awareness climate in the city, Lewis said.

The North Side and South Side associations, all-volunteer community organizations committed to enhancing their neighborhoods by making them safer and cleaner, will hold what they are calling an "Anti-Drug Walk" on Saturday, April 19.

At 7:30 p.m. on April 19, each organization will gather at a different end of the Veterans Bridge. The South Side participants will meet at the State Street Furniture Store at 14 E. Front St. The North Side group will assemble at the city hall end of the bridge. Small tubular glow-lights will be distributed to all marchers at those two locations.

One association will walk across a pedestrian walkway on the bridge while the other will use the opposite walkway. Once all walkers are on the span, said Lewis, a moment of silence to mark city residents' dedication to eliminating illegal drug use will be observed. The processions will then retrace their steps.

"The purpose of this is to make the city aware that we are dedicated to stopping drug activities in Oil City," Lewis said.

Two other anti-drug events are also scheduled this spring. The second annual anti-drug rally will be held from 3 to 6 p.m. Saturday, May 17, at the Central Avenue Plaza area. The North Side Association is coordinating the event.

Also on tap is Project Medicine Cabinet Clean Sweep which offers area residents an opportunity to safely dispose of unwanted or expired medicines.

"Flushing them down the drain contaminates the system and, if they are left out, they offer a temptation to try them. We want to help people avoid accidental poisoning, too," said Lewis, whose North Side group is sponsoring the collection.

The medicines may be taken during April to the CVS drug store, located at 204 E. Second St., where the pharmacy will ensure they are properly destroyed.