Two forums to address drug abuse, prescription drug misuse among youth

Thursday, October 22, 2015

Drug abuse in Indiana has been declining over the past decade for every substance except pipe tobacco and prescription drugs, according to data in the 2015 Kids Count study in Indiana Data Book.

But experts know there are still far too many young people in Indiana who turn to drugs for a variety of reasons. They also know teens don't have to look any further than a medicine cabinet to find their next high.

In an effort to address drug use among teens, the Indiana Youth Institute (IYI) is working with its community partners to host two forums during one week to help those who work with youth learn more about drug trends, treatment and impact in western Indiana.

The first free forum will be on Tuesday, Nov. 3 from noon to 1:30 p.m. at the Owen County Family YMCA, 1111 W. State Road 46 in Spencer. Owen County Prosecutor Don Vandermoere (formerly of the Putnam County Prosecutor's Office) and a deputy prosecutor will speak, focusing on drug trends and the legal repercussions young people could face by being involved with drugs.

Then on Thursday, Nov. 5, IYI will host another free forum at the Clay County Fairgrounds, 6656 N. State Road 59, Brazil, from 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. It will feature Tami Watson, an Indiana State Police detective who will discuss the impact of abuse and misuse of prescription drugs on a community.

The Clay County event is made possible through the collaborative efforts of the Purdue Extension Office, Hamilton Center, YMCA of Clay County, Clay County DCS, Step Ahead/Literacy Council, Clay Community Schools and IYI.

The event in Owen County is made possible by the collaborative efforts of Owen County Family YMCA, Middle Way House, Spencer-Owen Community Schools, Centerstone and IYI.

Youth Worker Cafés are designed to bring together local youth workers to build relationships and inspire collaborations that will benefit children. Both events and lunches are free, but persons are asked to RSVP for either by going to www.iyi.org/YWC.

For more information, contact IYI West Central Indiana Outreach Manager Katie McGaughey at kmcgaughey@iyi.org.

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