The signs and symptoms of teenage drug abuse, the actions parents can take, and where to find supportive resources will be shared at an upcoming “Protect Against Substance Abuse” community program, scheduled for Monday, Nov. 10, at South County High School, and Tuesday, Nov. 18, at Fairfax High School. The nonprofit Unified Prevention Coalition of Fairfax County (UPC) and its work group, PROTECT (Parents Reaching out to Educate Communities Together), will present this educational program.
The Nov. 10 forum, hosted by the South County High School PTSO, begins at 7 p.m. in the silver box theater. The Nov. 18 program, hosted by the Fairfax High School PTSA, will begin at 7 p.m. in the choral room. Middle school and high school parents are encouraged to attend with their children.
“Our program makes an impact on each audience because of the very personal stories of the dangers of substance abuse told by our panel of parents, young adults in recovery, and professionals working in this area,” said Jennifer Lewis-Cooper, UPC’s PROTECT coordinator.
Paula King, intake officer with Fairfax County Juvenile and Domestic Relations Court, will moderate both forums. Panelists will include Chris Leibowitz, a young adult in recovery; Bill Fulton, school resource officer coordinator, Fairfax County Police Department; and David Edleman, clinical supervisor, Fairfax-Falls Church Community Service Board Youth and Family Team. Greg Richter, parent of a daughter in recovery, will participate in the South County event. Lori Shapiro, parent of a son in recovery, will take part in the Fairfax event.
UPC is a nonprofit organization made up of more than 60 community partners and members, including Fairfax County Public Schools and the Fairfax County Police Department. For more information, visit www.unifiedpreventioncoalition.org.