Drug Education Forum set for March 27 at F.E. Madill in Wingham

Building on the success of Huron's first-ever Drug Education Forum, members of the Huron County Youth Justice Committee Program are looking forward to hosting another informative Drug Education Forum to serve the residents of the northern end of the county and those beyond. 
 
The forum will be held Monday, March 27, from 7-9 p.m., at F.E. Madill Secondary School, 231 Madill Drive in Wingham.
 
Have you heard about the dangers of Fentanyl? Did you know that you can't see it; you can't smell it and you can't taste it, but a quantity as small as two milligrams can kill you.
 
Do you know anything about "Special K," "Shatter" and "Crystal?" If you don't, and you would like to find out more about these illegal drugs and many more, this is your opportunity to get informed.
 
Presentations by a Huron County OPP Community Drug Action Team member and Drug Recognition Expert will be provided. Parents, youth workers, teachers and any other interested community members, are encouraged to attend.
 
This visual presentation will touch on relevant topics, such as: Drug Identification, the Effects of Drugs on the Body, Drug Paraphernalia, Prescription Misuse and Abuse, Street Lingo, Emerging Drugs, and Safety Concerns. 

The Huron OPP will also have on hand interactive alcohol and marihuana "Fatal Vision" goggles. These goggles are designed to simulate some of the cognitive and physical effects of impairment by alcohol and marijuana.
 
Additionally, the Huron County Health Unit will have resources available for parenting youth, and how parents can prevent or delay under-age drinking.
 
"This Drug Education Forum is an excellent opportunity for parents and role models for our youth, to learn about a growing problem in our neighbourhoods," says Wingham police chief Tim Poole. "I highly recommend that you come out to learn what you can, to help us in the fight against drugs."
 
"One of our goals with the Drug Education Forum is to engage parents and arm them with as much information as possible on a topic that isn't common knowledge for most," says Teresa Donnelly, Huron County Youth Justice Committee chairperson, and Huron County crown attorney. "With some increased awareness and knowledge, parents will be in a better position to identify the warning signs of illicit drug use. It is very difficult to have a conversation with your son or daughter if you don't know the language or have any idea what they are talking about. This is an excellent opportunity to get informed on a topic that touches so many of our youth today."
 
"We know drug traffickers and distributors can reach into our communities, large and small," says inspector Jason Younan, Huron OPP detachment commander. "We also understand the serious and devastating impacts that the illegal use and abuse of drugs can have on a community's safety and well-being. With that being said, we are very pleased to have the opportunity to partner with the Youth Justice Committee to bring this informative Drug Education Forum to the residents of Huron County. Collaboratively, with our community partners, citizens and neighbours, we can build safer and healthier communities." 
 
Note: Seating is limited, so RSVP prior to March 23, to david.duncan@start.ca