Representative Tom Calter hosts substance abuse program for parents October 23

                                                                     Contact: Amy Belmore

                                                                                                Cell: 617-908-4653

Rep. Calter hosts Substance Abuse Awareness Program for Parents

“Do YOU know what you NEED TO KNOW?” panel addresses teen choices

October 2, 2013, KINGSTON – On Wednesday, October 23 at 7 p.m., all parents are encouraged to attend a substance abuse awareness program hosted by State Representative Tom Calter at the Silver Lake Middle School auditorium (256 Pembroke Street, Kingston).  This informative program, entitled  “Do YOU know what you NEED to KNOW?”, will feature a panel offering perspectives and expertise on several key topics surrounding current substance abuse trends and issues among youths in our region. The goal of the program is to educate parents on the types of substances and methods of use that teens today are experimenting with, from household products and medications found in the home to alcohol and street drugs. In addition, the aim is to provide parents with useful communication tips, warning signs, and steps to intervention.

Panelists will include Plymouth County District Attorney Timothy Cruz; representatives from Caron Treatment Centers, Independence Academy, and the Kingston Police Department; a trained D.A.R.E. officer from Plympton; and a local parent who tragically lost a daughter to drug use.

“We all want our kids to make decisions that keep them safe and healthy, but the reality is they are faced with challenges and choices on many fronts. We want to equip parents with the information, strategies, and tools they can use to communicate with their children about the dangers of substance abuse, and to be alert to problems should they develop” said Rep. Calter, who will serve as host and moderator of the program. “Teenagers are taking risks that can have long-lasting and severe outcomes; if this program can help prevent just one bad choice, it will be have been worthwhile” said Calter.

The panel presentation will run from 7 – 9 p.m., including a question-and-answer session. Parents of children of all ages are welcome and encouraged to attend, with much of the discussion geared toward issues facing youths in Grades 5 – 12.

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