Parents, Community Members Invited to Learn the Warning Signs of Risky Behavior
Parents, educators and community members are invited to a free event on April 9 at Woodland Middle School in Gurnee where they can not only learn how to engage in crucial conversations with their teens but also tour a mock teenage bedroom that contains more than 100 items indicative of risky behavior.
Called "Hidden In Plain Sight: Can You See the Warning Signs?" the program will be held from 6:30 p.m. to 8 p.m. in Cafeteria B at the Middle School, 7000 Washington St.
Woodland Middle School's health program has been collaborating with Lake County State's Attorney Mike Nerheim, Dr. Stuart Feldman and Liv4Lali to bring speakers into classes to educate students about the dangers of drug use, specifically focusing on risks with taking opioids. Through those collaborations, the Middle School learned about the impactful traveling exhibit and connected with the presenter, Andy Duran, executive director of LEAD and the SpeakUp! Prevention Coalition based in Lake Forest and Lake Bluff.
"Knowing that prevention is the most powerful tool we can offer, we want to extend the opportunity to our parents to become educated themselves," said Joanna Wolk, Woodland Middle School health educator. Her teaching colleague, Christine Murray added, "We are hoping that parents attend the evening, connect with community members, and join in our efforts to help protect our students."
Duran will be speaking about how parents can engage their teens in crucial conversations and he will also walk through the exhibit pointing out key pieces of information.
Visitors will have an opportunity to walk through the exhibit on their own before the presentation as well as stop at resource tables provided by event sponsors - the Lake State's Attorney's office, the Lake County Opioid Initiative, LEAD, the federal Drug Enforcement Agency, and Warren Township Youth & Family Services.
Anyone who attends is also invited to protect teens against drug abuse and overdose by disposing of their unused and expired medications through a medication take-back program also available at the April 9 program. Medications will be disposed of safely by the DEA.
For more information, contact Joanna Wolk or Christine Murray at (847) 856-3400.