Photo by Kate Penn.
Parents view our mock-teen-bedroom scene before the program starts

Sandy (my boss) and Marguerite (my talented colleague) gave one of our Drugs101 presentations to  over 100 parents at Northern Middle School in York County the other week.

Here's a link to the story about it that ran in The York Daily Record.

York Daily Record/Sunday News Reporter Amy Marchiano and Photographer Kate Penn came by to cover the event.  The photos on this post are Kate's from the actual event.

Thanks, Kate, for capturing these images of our drug education program for parents!

Here's a reposting of the story along with the official photos:

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Parents learn to spot possible drug, alcohol use

By AMY MARCHIANO
For the Daily Record/Sunday News

York, PA - More than 100 parents attended a session Wednesday at Northern Middle School to gain more information about drug use.

This was the first time for the "Drugs 101" event, said Sylvia Murray, principal of the Carroll Township school. It was presented by the Susan P. Byrnes Health Education Center of York.

"We just want to educate parents," Murray said, adding she was pleased with the turnout.

Photo by Kate Penn:
Over 70 teen drug use indicators are used in our mock-bedroom

Those attending had the opportunity to look at a mock bedroom scene and see if they could spot any of the 70 items related to drug use. On average, about 30 to 40 items were spotted, as shown by adults raising their hands.

The items included a T-shirt with an angry snowman on it -- a coded reference to cocaine -- hollowed out CD cases that could be used to store drugs, and a scale.

Before the two individuals from the Byrnes Center were introduced, Murray and seventh-grade math teacher Troy Sauer spoke. Sauer said the community was great and so are the students. But "you can't fight what you don't know."

Several skits were presented, and information about gateway drugs -- such as alcohol and tobacco -- marijuana, cocaine, prescription drugs and methamphetamines were discussed.

"It's never too early to start" to have discussions about drugs, said Sandy Gladfelter, one of the presenters.
Setting an example is important, they said. Whether it's that one beer or cigarette, what you're doing communicates signals to your children, they said. The items youngsters use can come from your home or from those they know, they said.

For example, "every single day about 2,500 kids start using prescription drugs for the first time," Gladfelter said.

Methamphetamines can be made with household items, too. Those who try them "can become addicted after just one hit," Marguerite Ferrara said.

If a young person tries a cigarette they can be "addicted in as little as ten cigarettes," she said. "There's no such thing as just a cigarette."

Photo by Kate Penn:  Our Drugs101 presentations are always interactive

Some parents who attended said they learned a lot.

"I thought it was excellent," said Debbie Chopka, a Dillsburg resident. She has children in the Northern York County School District. Learning the nicknames of some of the drugs and the warning signs was beneficial, she said.

Getting involved in your child's life, enforcing clear rules, being a positive role model and having your children choose friends wisely and staying informed matters, according to the presenters.

"You have to find your opportunities" to stay involved, Gladfelter said.

PHOTO CREDITS:  DAILY RECORD/SUNDAY NEWS - KATE PENN