Reaching Out to Protect Your Child From the Realities of Substance Abuse

Please join us in Westfield High School's auditorium next week for a community parent and teen outreach program, Reaching Out to Protect Your Child From the Realities of Substance Abuse.   A coalition of PTA's, community coalitions, county officials, professionals, law enforcement and parents have formed a group called “P.R.O.T.E.C.T.” which stands for Parents Reaching Out To Educate Communities Together.  On Monday, October 19th, at 7:00 pm PROTECT is holding a community meeting at Westfield High School in the auditorium to educate the parents and students on drug awareness and substance abuse.

The special panel of speakers includes, but not limited to, :
A father (Greg Richter) of a convicted Centreville Heroin Drug Ring defendant will speak on becoming aware of drug use, family response and getting help.

A young lady (Taylor Gibson) convicted in the Centreville Heroin Drug Ring has volunteered to speak to parents and students. Note: She is a graduate of Westfield High School which we believe should have a huge impact to the parents and students in our community.  Two additional teens in recovery. 

Greg Lannes will speak on Tragedy of Adolescent Drug use and Critical Need for Parent Awareness and Early Intervention

A parent who will share her experience with her son's substance abuse and her battle to get him successful treatment

Sgt. Bill Fulton, Western Fairfax SRO Coordinator will speak on Prevalence of Adolescent Drug Use in Our Community and SRO Program

Alcohol and Drug Services, including Leslie Churn, will discuss

Signs and Symptoms of Adolescent Drug Use
Identifying Resources
Access to Treatment
Utilizing Support and Community Resources
Assessment process (what to expect)
Treatment

There have been several tragic stories from our area involving substance abuse. The group PROTECT, while shaken by these issues in the past, is trying to work together to make a difference in the community through education, awareness and prevention.  The program is free and open to parents and teens.  Any questions, please contact me.  Thanks!

Jennifer Campbell
Westfield PTSA President
Jcampbellpta@aol.com