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 HelloReturn to index of stories... |
Hello. I'm Allison McNair. Welcome to NH Outlook. |
| Preshow #1 Return to index of stories... |
In this program, Now that the flood waters have receded in southwest NH, the residents and road crews are cleaning up - the big question now is how they are going to pay for the flood damage? |
| Intro Blackhawk Return to index of stories... |
But first, a soldier's story. The current crisis in the African nation of Liberia has many wondering if US intervention will lead to peace. For some, the crisis brings back haunting memories of another intervention that failed. If you've seen the recent film Black Hawk Down or read the book, you know a little bit about Michael Durant, the Special Operations army pilot and Berlin native who was shot down and held hostage in Somalia a decade ago. That film told the story of the battle in Mogadishu in which 18 Americans died and Durant was taken prisoner. But the film ends before Durant's release - and so now, he has written a book telling his entire story. We must also warn you, this is a story that is disturbing in some of its details and images. You may not wish younger children to see it. Last month, Durant visited a number of bookstores in New Hampshire for book signings. Producer Richard Ager caught up with him in Gorham. |
| Blackhawk Down Return to index of stories... |
Michael Durant Script: Soundup: Durant tape 3 03;08:40 * walk along line shot - "Same last name - Todd's the first name." Track: It took nearly a decade for Michael Durant to decide to tell his story - but his tale of survival amid brutal conflict has lost none of its power. Soundup: Durant tape 3 03:04:43 * "good show." "Thanks." Track: In 1993, the United States supplied the major part of a UN force trying to establish civil order in Somalia, a country on the Horn of Africa wracked by famine and civil war. On Oct. 3 of that year, a mission to seize Mohammed Aidid, a local warlord who was hijacking UN food shipments, went terribly wrong. An intense battle ensued during which Durant's helicopter was shot down and he was seriously injured. Bite: Durant tape 1 01;05:25 YOU'VE TITLED YOUR BOOK, IN THE COMPANY OF HEROES. WHO WOULD YOU SAY ARE THE HEROES IN YOUR STORY? Well, I would say there are many of them. Everyone who fought in Somalia is a hero. That was an incredibly dangerous place. The people that went down-range if originally or to help out in the midst of the battles are all certainly heroes. I think the ones that stand alone though, have got to be Randy Shugart and Gary Gordon. They not just volunteered but insist on going on a mission, that at first blush some would call a suicide mission. Track: Shugart and Gordon were both Delta soldiers, elite fighters who dropped into the battle zone to come to Durant's aid. They were among the 18 Americans who died in the fighting during which hundreds of Somalis were also killed or wounded. Mobs dragged the bodies of Americans through the streets. Durant was taken prisoner by Adid's forces - and he swore an oath to himself. Bite: Durant tape 1 01:03:20 When things get really rough, we turn to God. At least everyone I know in a traumatic situation or a demanding situation has done that, and I believe that is the case. Me personally, I made some promises in the middle of the night that I wanted to keep, and that was one of them. If I ever got out of there, I would tell the truth whether it was good, bad or ugly. Track: One of the ugliest truths - untold until the writing of the book - was the cause of Durant's facial injuries during his capture. Bite: Durant tape 1 01:29:49 "I looked up as a man raised something high above his head. For a second, the sun haloed around the object and then he swung it down on me like a club. It smashed into my face, breaking my right eye socket and cheek bone. For many years I have held my peace for the sake of the survivors of the men who were killed, not refuting the claim that I was struck by the butt of a rifle. But the truth is long overdue. That object was not a weapon. It was soft and very heavy. It was the severed arm of one of my comrades." Track: The Somalis videotaped Durant - and his beaten and bruised face became news around the world. In his hometown of Berlin, residents put up yellow ribbons and called in their hopes and wishes to the local radio station. Soundup: Tape 9L 00:45:15 "Good morning, you're on the forum". "To Michael Durant - no man stands alone…We wish you all the best Mike - as we all do in berlin and the north country… Track: Though suffering from multiple injuries including a broken back and leg, Durant managed to find occasion for humorous observation. Bite: Durant tape 1 01:30:39 "Looking around my cell, I was grateful that the power grid had long before failed in this part of the city. There were no functioning outlets to plug into so at least they couldn't use electroshock on me. Attaboy Durant, keep looking on the bright side." Track: Durant focused on keeping a tight grip on his emotions. Bite: Durant tape 1 01:09:40 That is the challenge of captivity. Yes it is a physical battle. But it is a mental battle. You can't allow your emotions to run all over the map. You basically have got to maintain as level a state of mind as possible. Who wouldn't want to be rescued? You hope and pray, but you can't allow your mind to get too set on that. If it doesn't happen, you can fall so hard that you may not recover. There are documented cases of people who should not have died in captivity but did because they lost all hope, they were desperate, and they lost the will to live. Track: Early in his captivity, he heard a voice from a circling helicopter that gave him hope. Bite: Durant tape 1 01:31:25 'Mike Durant, Mike Durant'. It was Dan's voice, I'd know that voice anywhere. My good friend Dan Jallotto was up there, searching desperately for me. He knew that he was flying above a hornet's nest of RPGs and could get himself shot down at any moment, but he didn't give a damn. 'Mike Durant, we will not leave without you.' Track: Finally, after 11 days of painful captivity, Michael Durant was released. Bite: Durant tape 1 01:28:43 WHAT IT WAS LIKE IN THE MOMENT WHEN YOU LEARNED YOU WOULD BE FREE. It is indescribable. For eleven days, thinking will you ever see your son again, will you ever see your family again, and then realizing it is going to happen when you pass through the gates at a UN compound-it's like being reborn, it really is. I suppose it feels a lot like that, your life is being started over, literally. Track: Once back in American custody, Durant learned of his dead comrades - and got a call from President Clinton. Bite: Durant tape 1 01:18:30 If the President calls you, you answer. But, there was also some bitterness and anger and frustration, because he represented the senior leadership that I felt failed us, even if he hadn't made the decision, he is the Commander in Chief. We did not get the things that we needed to do that mission right. There is no doubt in my mind that some of the loss of life occurred because of those decisions. Track: Durant was flown home and received the Purple Heart from Secretary of State Warren Christopher. He began his recovery at his base, Fort Campbell in Kentucky. Bite: CNN tape 10:27:38 *** I would just like to thank all the American people for all the fantastic support - made the difference - I'm glad to be home and proud to be an American. Soundup: Beta Master 9L 00:48:55 Helicopter carrying Durant Track: Two months later, he was on his way to a homecoming in Berlin. Bite: Beta Master 9L 00:49:22 I see so many faces out there that I haven't seen in a long time and it's really something I can't describe. Everybody around the country - - just kind of looks at communities because of how supportive everybody has been. How everybody came together - and I'm real proud to be from here. It's always great to come home - I always enjoyed it - it's even better at Xmas - and this one is going to be something special. Soundup: Tape 9L 00:51:46 Parade Track: Locals said it was the biggest parade ever seen in Berlin. Far from the crowd, in a reminder of what lay beneath the joy, a lone veteran stood a solemn vigil. Bite: Beta Master 9L 00:51:08 "I am paying homage to the true heroes of that night. Those men of the Ranger team of the squadron - who stepped between the downed aircraft and the frenzied crowd in order to save the crew of that downed aircraft. Track: Shortly after Durant's release, America withdraw from Somalia - and that country returned to chaos. Two years ago, the film "Black Hawk Down" was released, renewing interest in the disaster in Somalia. But the film only told a small part of Michael Durant's story, so after leaving the military, he decided to tell the rest. Standup: Durant tape 2 00:07;41 "In the Company of Heroes" covers Michael Durant's years in the military including service in Panama, Korea and Iraq. But clearly, it is his tale of endurance and survival in Somalia that commands such respect and admiration. And nowhere are those feelings more evident than here in the North Country, where Michael Durant grew up. Bite: Durant tape 2 00:12:25 I find it fascinating that he endured what he endured and come out of it and be willing to share his story - never lost his optimism or his faith. Track: Even relatives like his Aunt Jeanette waited for their turn with the author. Soundup: Durant tape 2 00:18:50 "Hello sweetheart." "Oh, hello, how are you! Look at these two. Waiting in line to see me." "That way, I won't have to get up again." "Mike , I've been here since Friday." Soundup: Durant tape 2 00:03:34 "this will go a little faster." Track: Durant's mom and dad helped out at the signing, and spoke about the book. Bite: Durant tape 2 00:24:23 It's excellent - it's very emotional but Mike throws in the humor which really helps you through it. IT MUST HAVE TAKEN YOU THROUGH THAT WHOLE ROLLER-COASTER READING IT. It did - and a lot of things we didn't even know, until we read it in the book. Bite: Durant tape 2 00:27;59 I choked several times as I am now. During the live exercise first time around - when I read the book again, I would have to stop and lay back a little bit - and I went - take it all in for a second, take a breath, wipe my eyes off. Track: Despite his experience in Somalia, Durant still believes America should have stayed. Bite: Durant tape 1 01:26:02 That to me is the hardest thing to accept about Somalia. That is what I think will put Somalia in the history books as a U.S. failure, because we did not achieve our objectives, we gave up. And America doesn't want to be seen that way to the world. That is not the way we are, we should see it through, even in the face of suffering and unfortunately, loss of life. It is still worth pursuing the ultimate objective, and that is the problem in this case. Track: Durant is not comfortable calling himself a hero, though he regards his comrades as such. Every celebration of his living has also been a recognition of those died. In his book, he includes a letter from the widow of one of his rescuers… Bite: Durant tape 2 00:02:02 "I don't want you to ever question why you lived and Randy and the others with you did not. You lived to come back and give me some peace of mind to what would otherwise have been an unexplainable situation. You are a living reminder and testament of what the Delta soldiers and those that work with them are all about. The squadron can look to you and know that the beliefs that they have and the oath they swore to are valid. Randy and Gordy were not alone when they tried to rescue you. They carried a lot of insight, knowledge, and strength from each mate they had ever worked with inside of them. I want you to - PAUSE- I want you to enjoy your life - and be happy - Look back with pride, not sorrow, just as Randy fought to save you, you fought and did not give up. Perhaps not knowing you were fighting to save me from a tortured mind and heart. Sincerely, Stephanie Shugart." GOES OUT OF FOCUS Track: For NH Outlook, I'm Richard Ager. |
| Tag Blackhawk Return to index of stories... |
Durant's story was in such demand, the North Country bookstore sold all 300 copies in a matter of hours. |
| Intro Flood Return to index of stories... |
For many in New Hampshire, the memory of this summer's flooding in the southwestern part of the state may be dimming. For many living after the floods, the hard work has just begun. Road crews are busy rebuilding the roads. And one big question remains - who's going to pay for all the flood damage? The state has authorized $1 million in short term loans and FEMA, the Federal Emergency Management Agency, is assessing the damage to determine if the state qualifies for federal aid. Producer Chip Neal traveled to Westmoreland to see how people are coping - people like Stan Caster, owner of Stan's Discount Groceries. |
| Intro Discussion Return to index of stories... |
Joining me to talk about flood insurance and how communities, businesses and individuals can go about protecting themselves is George Musler. George is the former Program Coordinator with the National Flood Insuranace Program in New Hampshire. He still consults.George is also a state representative in Barrington. |
| Discussion Return to index of stories... |
Allison - WE HEARD A LITTLE FRUSTRATION WITH REGARDS TO HOMEOWNER POLICIES. DO ANY HOMEOWNER POLICIES COVER DAMAGE THAT'S CAUSED BY A FLOOD? NOT TO THE BEST OF MY KNOWLEDGE. Allison: SO IF SOMEONE IS CONCERNED, IF THEY LIVE IN AN AREA THAT THEY KNOW MAY BE PRONE TO FLOODING, WHAT IS THE ONLY WAY, OR WHAT'S THE WAY THAT THEY CAN GET FINANCIAL PROTECTION IF SOMETHING HAPPENS? THEY CAN CONTACT THEIR INSURANCE BROKER AND ASK ABOUT PURCHASING FLOOD INSURANCE COVERAGE. Allison: NOW, FLOOD INSURANCE COVERAGE, DO THERE HAVE TO BE SOME THINGS IN PLACE EITHER IN YOUR COMMUNITY OR YOUR AREA IN ORDER FOR YOU TO EVEN BE ABLE TO GET FLOOD INSURANCE? YES. THE COMMUNITY HAS TO BE A PARTICIPANT IN THE NATIONAL FLOOD INSURANCE PROGRAM. THEY HAVE TO HAVE ADOPTED AND ENFORCE AN ORDINANCE REGULATING THE CONSTRUCTION OR RECONSTRUCTION OF BUILDINGS, COMMERCIAL OR PRIVATE, IN DESIGNATED FLOOD ZONES. Allison: HOW MANY COMMUNITIES IN NEW HAMPSHIRE RIGHT NOW ARE DESIGNATED OR HAVE DONE THIS WORK? 190 OUT OF 234. Allison: AND WHEN WE LOOK-- I KNOW YOU LOOKED AT SOME FIGURES FOR WESTMORELAND AS FAR AS FLOOD INSURANCE POLICIES, WHERE ALL THAT DEVASTATION WAS DONE-- HOW MANY FLOOD INSURANCE POLICIES WERE ISSUED THERE? IN WESTMORELAND, THERE WERE FOUR POLICIES IN PLACE, TWO IN NON-FLOOD ZONES AND TWO IN FLOOD ZONES. STATEWIDE, THERE ARE 5,000 POLICIES IN PLACE OUT OF A POTENTIAL 19,000 VULNERABLE STRUCTURES. Allison: NOW, FLOOD INSURANCE ITSELF, THE MONEY COMES FROM THE FEDERAL GOVERNMENT, DOES IT NOT? IT COMES FROM THE POLICY HOLDERS, NOT FROM THE FEDERAL GOVERNMENT. THE POLICY HOLDERS SEND THEIR MONEY TO WASHINGTON AND IT'S HELD SEPARATE FROM TAXPAYER ACCOUNTS AND PAYS OUT FOR MAPPING OR FOR SETTLING CLAIMS AGAINST POLICIES. Allison: I TALKED TO A COUPLE OF INSURANCE AGENTS, WHO SAID TO ME, "GEE, YOU KNOW, I ENCOURAGE PEOPLE THAT ARE CLOSING ON A HOME, YOU SHOULD THINK ABOUT FLOOD INSURANCE, FLOOD PLAIN INSURANCE." BUT THEY SAY, "HEY, I WOULD FEEL AS IF I AM PAYING YEAR AFTER YEAR FOR THE PEOPLE THAT ARE FLOODED EVERY YEAR AROUND, WHERE THIS MIGHT NOT HAPPEN IN MY LIFETIME." WHAT WOULD YOU SAY TO THAT? WELL, FEDERAL LAW IS IN PLACE. FEDERAL LAW REQUIRES THAT THE LENDING INSTITUTIONS MAKE A DETERMINATION AS TO WHETHER THE STRUCTURE IS LOCATED IN A DESIGNATED FLOOD AREA, REGARDLESS OF WHETHER THERE'S BEEN FLOODING OR NOT. IF THE DESIGNATION COMES UP AS YOU'RE IN, YOU MUST BUY A FLOOD INSURANCE POLICY, AND IF YOU HAVE A MORTGAGE IN PLACE, YOU MUST KEEP IT FOR THE LIFE OF THE MORTGAGE, AND THE POLICY MUST COVER THE MORTGAGE THAT IS IN PLACE. Allison: SO IN OTHER WORDS, IS IT THE INDIVIDUAL THAT'S GOTTEN A MORTGAGE THAT WILL END UP BEING REQUIRED BY THE BANK TO PURCHASE FLOOD INSURANCE? YEAH. AND THERE'S NO WAY THAT THE INSURING AGENCY CAN CHANGE THE RULES. IT'S FEDERAL LAW. Allison: IT'S NOT INEXPENSIVE, THOUGH, IS IT? YES. FOR A STRUCTURE IN A PARTICIPATING COMMUNITY THAT'S NOT IN A FLOOD ZONE, IT RUNS ANYWHERE UP TO $200 A YEAR. FOR A STRUCTURE THAT'S IN A FLOOD ZONE, DEPENDING ON WHERE THE BASEMENT IS, BECAUSE THAT'S THE FIRST ENCLOSED FLOOR, IT COULD RUN UP TO $500, $600. Allison: WHAT ABOUT COMMUNITIES? WHAT DO THEY GET AS FAR AS FLOOD INSURANCE GOES, OR DO THEY JUST WAIT UNTIL IT HAPPENS AND THEN HAVE FEMA COME IN AND HOPE TO GET SOME FUNDS THERE? WELL, THE MUNICIPAL STRUCTURES CAN BE INSURED. NONRESIDENTIAL STRUCTURES CAN BE INSURED. THE INSURANCE IS AVAILABLE TO EVERYBODY AND IF THE COMMUNITY IS PARTICIPATING, THEN STRUCTURES THAT ARE NOT COVERED BY INSURANCE BECAUSE THEY WERE NEVER ASKED BY INSURANCE CAN BE TAKEN CARE OF IN A FLOODING SITUATION, AND IN MANY CASES, FEMA WILL ISSUE TEMPORARY FLOOD INSURANCE POLICIES. Allison: WHAT DO YOU RECOMMEND TO SOMEONE THAT ISN'T SURE, FIRST OF ALL, IF THEY LIVE IN A FLOOD PLAIN AREA, IF THEIR COMMUNITY IS PARTICIPATING OR IF THIS IS SOMETHING THEY SHOULD LOOK INTO? ABSOLUTELY, YES. THEY SHOULD LOOK INTO IT. UNFORTUNATELY, IT MAY BE THAT THE HOUSE WAS BUILT BEFORE THE COMMUNITY JOINED THE PROGRAM AND THE BASEMENT IS WELL BELOW THE BASE, WHAT WE CALL THE BASE FLOOD ELEVATION, AND THE POLICY IS GOING TO BE EXPENSIVE. Allison: OKAY, SO THAT DOES MAKE A DIFFERENCE, IF YOUR HOME WAS BOUGHT WITHIN A CERTAIN AMOUNT OF TIME, OR BUILT WITHIN A CERTAIN AMOUNT OF TIME. RIGHT, RIGHT. Allison: WELL, GEORGE MUSLER, I WANT TO THANK YOU SO MUCH FOR JOINING US ON "OUTLOOK" AND LETTING US KNOW A LITTLE BIT MORE ABOUT FLOOD INSURANCE. THANKS SO MUCH. OKAY. AND IF THERE'S ANYBODY THAT HAS ANY QUESTIONS AFTER YOU GO OFF THE AIR, THEY CAN CALL ME AT HOME. Allison: THANK YOU SO MUCH, GEORGE. THAT'S A NICE OFFER. WE DON'T GET THAT ONE TOO MUCH. |
| Web Pointer Return to index of stories... |
For more information on this program and others, connect with us on-line. Visit us at nhptv.org and tell us what's on your mind. We'd like to hear from you about this and our programs. |
| Tomorrow Return to index of stories... |
On the next New Hampshire Outlook - Cell phones for the hearing impaired. We'll introduce you to the technology of text messaging and how it's making it easier for families to communicate. |
| Goodnight Return to index of stories... |
We'll see you next time. Thanks for watching. |
| founders Return to index of stories... |
Thanks to our founding sponsors who have provided major funding for the production of New Hampshire Outlook: New Hampshire Charitable Foundation Public Service of New Hampshire Stratford Foundation |
| Tonight 10:00 Return to index of stories... |
Tonight on New Hampshire Outlook. Cell phones for the hearing impaired. We'll introduce you to the technology of text messaging and how it's making it easier for families to communicate. Join us tonight at 10:00. |
| Monday Tonight Return to index of stories... |
Tonight on New Hampshire Outlook. Berlin’s Michael Durant comes home to tell the story you didn't hear in Blackhawk Down. Join us tonight at 10:00 on New Hampshire Public Television. |
| Preshow #2 Return to index of stories... |
And later, From hostage to freedom. Berlin’s Michael Durant comes home to tell stories you didn't see in the movie or read in the book Blackhawk Down. |
| key: War / Veterans Return to index of stories... |
NEW HAMPSHIRE OUTLOOK Air Date/Time: 8/26/03 22:00 HOST: Allison McNair Length: 13:00 minutes In this edition of New Hampshire Outlook, NHPTV's nightly news magazine, Now that the flood waters have receded in southwest NH, the residents and road crews are cleaning up - the big question now is how they are going to pay for the flood damage? But first, a soldier's story. The current crisis in the African nation of Liberia has many wondering if US intervention will lead to peace. For some, the crisis brings back haunting memories of another intervention that failed. If you've seen the recent film Black Hawk Down or read the book, you know a little bit about Michael Durant, the Special Operations army pilot and Berlin native who was shot down and held hostage in Somalia a decade ago. That film told the story of the battle in Mogadishu in which 18 Americans died and Durant was taken prisoner. But the film ends before Durant's release - and so now, he has written a book telling his entire story. Last month, Durant visited a number of bookstores in New Hampshire for book signings. Producer Richard Ager caught up with him in Gorham. PRODUCER/REPORTER: Richard Ager NAME OF PARTICIPANTS: Michael Durant \Author, In the Company of Heroes, Chief Warrant Officer 4 , Steve White\Veteran, Louise Morneau\Berlin, Louise Durant\Michael's Mother, Leon Durant\Michael's Father |
| key: Community Politics / Government Return to index of stories... |
NEW HAMPSHIRE OUTLOOK Air Date/Time: 8/26/03 22:00 HOST: Allison McNair Length: 11:00 minutes In this edition of New Hampshire Outlook, NHPTV's nightly news magazine, now that the flood waters have receded in southwest NH, the residents and road crews are cleaning up - the big question now is how they are going to pay for the flood damage? For many in New Hampshire, the memory of this summer's flooding in the southwestern part of the state may be dimming. For many living after the floods, the hard work has just begun. Road crews are busy rebuilding the roads. And one big question remains - who's going to pay for all the flood damage? The state has authorized $1 million in short term loans and FEMA, the Federal Emergency Management Agency, is assessing the damage to determine if the state qualifies for federal aid. Producer Chip Neal traveled to Westmoreland to see how people are coping - people like Stan Caster, owner of Stan's Discount Groceries. Joining in-studio to talk about flood insurance and how communities, businesses and individuals can go about protecting themselves is George Musler. George is the former Program Coordinator with the National Flood Insuranace Program in New Hampshire. He still consults.George is also a state representative in Barrington. PRODUCER/REPORTER: Chip Neal, Allision McNair NAME OF PARTICIPANTS: Michael Reed \Chair, Westmoreland Selectmen, Mike Haddad\WMUR - Meteorologist, Jim VanDongen\NH Emergency Management, Stan Castor\Owner, Stan's Discount Groceries, Michael Reed\Chair, Westmoreland Selectmen, George Musler\Ntl Flood Insurance, Fmr NH Program Coordinator |
| WEB PROMO Return to index of stories... |
Tonight on New Hampshire Outlook. . Tonight at 10pm on New Hampshire Public Television. |
| Ritalin Return to index of stories... |
Ritalin Story Script - Intro - NARRATOR - AS SUMMER COMES TO AN END, KIDS AROUND NEW HAMPSHIRE WILL BE GETTING READY TO GO BACK TO SCHOOL. THEY'RE PACKING BOOKS, PAPER, PENCILS, AND IN MANY CASES - MEDICATIONS LIKE RITALIN TO HELP THEM GET THROUGH THE SCHOOL DAY. THE DIAGNOSIS OF ADHD AND THE USE OF DRUG TREATMENTS ARE CONTROVERSIAL. ACCORDING TO THE AMERICAN PSYCHIATRIC ASSOCIATION, BETWEEN 3 TO 7 PERCENT OF CHILDREN HAVE ADHD OR ADD. ONE OF THOSE CHILDREN IS TEN-YEAR-OLD CHELSEA VANDERLINDE OF YORK, MAINE. Supers: Beginning - B-roll - Vanderlinde Tape 2 - 2:06:36 - CV reading her poem, close-up shot of her poem, panning up to her face and then back to her poem. NARRATOR - CHELSEA VANDERLINDE LOVES READING, WRITING POETRY, PLAYING SOCCER AND HORSERIDING. SHE WAS DIAGNOSED WITH ATTENTION DEFICIT DISORDER, OR ADD, WHEN SHE WAS IN THIRD GRADE. SHE SEES ADD AS BEING PART OF WHO SHE IS. B-roll - Vanderline Riding Tape - 0:05:05 - 0:05:19 CV - Tape 1 Vanderlinde 1:02:20 - Technically it's attention deficit disorder. But, in my mind it's just another part of my daily day. - 1:02:29 1:02:33 - It's kind of hard when I'm doing work because my mind just goes all over the place and I'm looking out the window saying oh what fun it would be to be outside. And, sometimes I can really focus, but other times it's just really hard. - 1:02:51 1:02:59 - A lot of the times I just need to say, okay take a deep breather. But, when it happens, it's really hard. Like I think of what happened in the day to help me with my homework, and then I get off track and say oh I had so much fun with my friends playing soccer, but if only we'd gotten that one goal we could have won the game and then I get totally off subject. 1:03:34 NARRATOR - CHELSEA'S MOM IS A PHYSICIAN. SHE REMEMBERS HOW DIFFICULT IT WAS FOR HER DAUGHTER TO FOCUS ON THE MOST SIMPLE OF TASKS. B-roll - Head shot of TV leading in to her talking. TV - tape 1 Vanderlinde 1:11:23 - We noticed something was different back in first grade. 1:11:26 1:11:43 - The teacher used to have to separate her desk, put up blinders around her desk and have her just try to focus on her own work. And, the teacher said we might need to keep her back a grade and we said you know, we think you're really missing the point here, you're not really understanding what our daughter needs is that, she's actually very smart and very talented in many ways. But, she needs cues around her to help her stay focused. 1:12:09 B-roll - Vanderlinde home vid. Chelsea getting on the bus. - 1:17:53-18:24 CV - Tape 1 Vanderlinde 1:10:51 - Yeah, sometimes they get mad at me because they say, go clean your room and I say okay, I go up, I get sidetracked, they say what happened to your room? Clean your room. They yell at me. She gets really mad at me sometimes because my homework's not right, or I have to do it a second time. She gets mad at me a lot. 1:11:14 TV - Tape 1 Vanderlinde 1:14:10 - She can't focus even when she wants to, even when she has all the best intentions in the world. I'll say, Chelsea, go upstairs and brush your hair. We send her upstairs. And 20 minutes later she's dancing around upstairs and hasn't brushed her hair. So, it really is on a broader spectrum then your average kid. Because her intentions really are, she wants to do really well. 1:14:36 B-roll - Vanderlinde Tape 2 - 2:05:16 - Bathroom - panning over to the "Put Hair back and Comb it." Zooms in for a close-up. NARRATOR - THE DIAGNOSIS OF ADHD AND THE USE OF RITALIN AND OTHER DRUGS TO TREAT IT HAS GONE UP DRAMATICALLY ACROSS THE COUNTRY. NARRATOR - ACCORDING TO THE NATIONAL CENTER FOR HEALTH STATISTICS, THERE WERE NEARLY 3 MILLION PRESCRIPTIONS FOR RITALIN IN 2000. THE DRUG ENFORCEMENT AGENCY REPORTS THAT DOMESTIC SALES OF RITALIN INCREASED BY NEARLY 500 PERCENT FROM 1991 TO 1999. NARRATOR - THE ROAD FROM DIAGNOSIS TO TREATMENT IS A LONG AND DIFFICULT ONE FOR MANY CHILDREN WITH ADD AND ADHD. AFTER HER INITIAL DIAGNOSIS, THE FAMILY TRIED A VARIETY OF TREATMENTS - HERBS, DIET, COUNSELING. WHILE THE TREATMENTS HELPED, THEY WEREN'T ENOUGH. THE FAMILY WAS FACED WITH THE DECISION OF WHETHER TO HAVE CHELSEA TRY MEDICATION. IT WAS A DECISION THAT THEY INITIALLY RESISTED. TV - Vanderlinde tape 1 1:21:07 - I think because it's a drastic step and you just don't know really what toll it's going to take on the body over a long-term basis. So, I think every parent agonizes over that decision. 1:20:21 I don't think anyone really knows the long term effects. You know, it's a stimulant, like caffeine is a stimulant, and we don't know the long term effects of what it's going to do to heart and thyroid and what it's going to do to her brain chemistries later on in life. 1:20:38 NARRATOR - WHEN SHE BEGAN TAKING RITALIN IN FOURTH GRADE, CHELSEA EXPERIENCED ONE OF THE SIDE EFFECTS THAT GOES WITH THE MEDICATION - LOSS OF APPETITE. Vanderlinde - Tape 1 1:06:36 - I've lost weight because it made me lose my appetite and I have a bathing suit that like hangs down to my knees because I am now 20 pounds less then I was before. 1:06:49 1:10:35 - There are other concerns that certainly have been raised at various times in the field relating to side effects that can include things like headaches, irritability and it's not a one size fits all world either, so certainly there are some children whose behavior actually becomes worse in the context of receiving these medicines. There are also concerns that have been raised about growth, the effect of these medications on growth. 1:11:15 NARRATOR - DR. BRYAN KING IS HEAD OF PEDIATRIC PSYCHIATRY AT DARTMOUTH HITCHCOCK MEDICAL CENTER. HE STUDIES ADD AND ADHD. 1:26:15 - You certainly don't want a situation where you prescribe a drug and send the family on their way and wish them luck and don't hear from them again. There's some disturbing trends in that regard in recent studies that have come to light which have chronicled the increase in the diagnosis of ADHD and also what appears to be a decrease in the frequency of follow-up monitoring visits that are taking place for some of these kids that are receiving medications. - 1:26:52 1:27:28 - So, the early, recent data seems to suggest that there may have been a push toward over-reliance on medication in recent years. - 1:27:42 NARRATOR - A 1999 STUDY BY THE DRUG ENFORCEMENT AGENCY REVEALED THAT NEW HAMPSHIRE WAS THE TOP STATE IN THE NATION FOR RITALIN, USAGE PER CAPITA. THE JURY IS STILL OUT ON WHY. King video - tape 1 1:28:04 - It's probably also the case that there are kids who don't need the medication but who are none the less receiving it. And there are probably kids with ADHD that's gone undiagnosed, who for whatever reason, have not received the opportunity for the benefit that may come from appropriate treatment. - 1:29:35 NARRATOR - NICHOLAS DONOHUE, THE COMMISSIONER OF EDUCATION FOR NEW HAMPSHIRE, SEES THE POSITIVE SIDE OF RITALIN USE TO TREAT ADHD. BUT, HE WORRIES ABOUT THE NUMBERS OF CHILDREN ON THE DRUG. Donohue Tape 2 2:20:27 - It's an extraordinarily powerful effect on the young body. It helps people focus, but sometimes it has some reverse effects, and I think that we all need to be careful about depending on a medication to correct a balance in us, when there may be some other things that we need to do to make the situation better. So, I'm supportive, I'm not a medical professional, I don't prescribe, there are people who know a lot more about this then I do. But, I've been in education for a long time, I've been an elementary school teacher, I've seen kids come and go, and it's troubling to me the amount of kids who are on this medication and for what particular reasons and it ought to be troubling to other people. - 2:21:09 1:15:50 - When you talk to our families whose kids finally got put on medication, it's a relief. They have their child back. They have an experience that they haven't had before. I think that maybe other communities outside of New Hampshire haven't seen the benefits that we have here. - 1:16:17 NARRATOR - MICHAEL COHEN, EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR OF THE NEW HAMPSHIRE CHAPTER OF THE NATIONAL ALLIANCE FOR THE MENTALLY ILL, SAYS HIS OFFICE HAS RECEIVED POSITIVE STORIES FROM PARENTS ABOUT THE USE OF RITALIN. 1:17:21 - Now this is only anecdotal evidence but our family partners are saying, finally, when a kid got the right IEP in a school and got put on medication, things turned around. Kids perform better in school. Now, I don't have hard data that says that. All I have is my staff coming back and telling great stories, real happy stories where it's worked. - 1:17:50 NARRATOR - MEDICATION HAS MADE A WORLD OF DIFFERENCE FOR CHELSEA AND HER FAMILY. Tape 1 - Vanderlinde - CV 1:05:37 - The first day that I was on it, it kind of made me cranky. But, after a week or two I really noticed a difference. Like I wrote a letter to Santa saying thank you for all these presents that you gave to us and I was really alert and excited, and just felt really new. 1:05:57 B-roll - Vanderlinde Home Vid. - Chelsea with Santa - 1:08:00-8:50 NARRATOR - AFTER MORE THAN FIVE YEARS OF EXPERIENCE WITH THE DISEASE, TERRI VANDERLINDE HAS SOME ADVICE FOR PARENTS OF CHILDREN WITH ADD OR ADHD. B-roll - Vanderlinde tape 2 - 2:03:11 - Side view of CV and TV. Disagreeing. Vanderlinde Tape 1 - TV 1:29:46 - My advice to the parents would be to say, hang on, you're in for a rollercoaster ride. There's a lot of ups and downs and you have to be an advocate for your kid. You have to get the teachers to listen, you have to get the doctors to listen. And you have to put in tremendous amounts of effort into structuring a day and organizing a lifestyle where everything is optimal - diet and exercise and sleep. It's a lot of hard work but it's definitely worth it. 1:30:29 B-roll - Vanderlinde Home Vid. - Chelsea sliding - 14:43-15:17 NARRATOR - CHELSEA DREAMS OF BEING A WHITE WATER RAFTING GUIDE, A CHIROPRACTOR, OR A VETERINARIAN. BUT, FOR NOW, SHE'S HAPPY READING HARRY POTTER BOOKS AND PLAYING THE FLUTE. B-roll: Vanderlinde Tape 2 - 2:07:16 - Flute playing - closer up. Zooming in on her fingers. - 2:07:45 2:08:14 - Starts up again. Close-up on her fingers, then pans across to her face - 2:09:15 Closer - For further information on ADD, ADHD and treatments you can contact the National Alliance for the Mentally Ill at 1-800-242-6264. |