NYS Forum on Drugs Set For October 28

Does it seem like you’re hearing more about various drugs and an increase in alcohol consumption?  Have you been hearing more PSAs (Public Service Announcements) dealing with inhalant usage? Has your child ever mentioned going to a lock-in party?  On Thursday, October 28, at 7 pm in the Newtown High School Lecture Hall, Newtown Youth Services’ panel of experts will sort out these and many other questions for concerned parents.

“Drugs: Kids At Risk – What Parents Should Know” will be the focus of a public forum.  Expert panelists will make brief statements concerning their experience in the substance abuse field.  The main portion of the program will allow for a question and answer period.  Index cards will be available at the door for anyone who would feel more comfortable asking an anonymous question.

Many calls and inquiries from parents and misinformation relative to the subject prompted NYS to offer this valuable program.  “It is not our intent to alarm parents,” said Roseanne Loring, NYS Program and Parent Education Coordinator. “The purpose of this program is to offer parents accurate information concerning a subject matter that is of utmost importance.”

Newtown Youth Services sought out a diverse group of participants.  Members of the panel are William Begg, MD, Danbury Hospital ER; Judy Blanchard, district health coordinator; Theresa Federici, Middle School social worker; John Hamilton, vice-president of the Liberation programs; Georgia Hynes, assistant vice president of Cornerstone-Eagle Hill Treatment Facility; Judith Nickse, attorney at law; Debbie Richardson, director, NYS; Carol Skolas, student assistance counselor at Newtown High School; and Sgt Chris Vanghele, Newtown Police Department.

Please call Newtown Youth Services at 270-4335 to register for this workshop.