‘What Every Parent Should Know’ forum to address drug threats

MT. PLEASANT — As part of the Henry County Opioid Prevention Alliance’s work at preventing addition, parents are invited to attend a forum Wednesday, Sept. 3 in Mt. Pleasant City Hall’s conference room.

“Youth drug abuse is a high-profile public health concern, with nearly 1-in-7 teenagers abusing an illicit substance in the last month,” the National Center for Drug Abuse Statistics states.

Additionally, NCDAS claims drug use among 8th graders between 2016 and 2020 increased by 30%, 41.7% of teens in 12th grade have abused alcohol in their lifetime, and 36.8% of teens have misused a drug at least once by the time.

The Henry County Opioid Prevention Alliance aims to positively impact this trend. One way they intend to do so is by educating parents with events such as the forum planned for Sept. 3.

According to Mt. Pleasant Police Chief Lyle Murray, the Alliance will present information to parents about how much things have changed in the last five to 15 years when it comes to substances and risks for their children.

With a panel consisting of law enforcement, ADDS, Henry County Health Center, Mt. Pleasant Community School District, and Health and Human Services members, parents will learn about prevention, prosecution, and rehabilitation.

Comments: AnnaMarie.Kruse@southeastiowaunion.com