Justice committee aims to educate with drug forum Oct. 19 in Goderich

If you have no clue what a “Bong” is or what a hit of “E” looks like, or if you think “Ice” is only for skating on, then you may want to attend a Drug Education Forum, slated for Oct. 19, from 7-9 p.m., in Goderich.
 

Hosted by the Ontario Ministry of the Attorney General’s Huron County Youth Justice Committee Program, the event will be held at the Salvation Army, 303 Suncoast Drive East.
 

A special presentation by a member of the Huron County OPP Community Drug Action Team will give parents, youth workers, teachers and any other interested community members, the information they need to know when it comes to drugs.
 

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 “Fatal Vision” goggles. These 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 underage drinking.
 

“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 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 please RSVP, prior to Oct. 17, to david.duncan@start.ca