May 6 event aims to open dialogue on dangers of drug use

On Tuesday, May 6, 6:45 p.m. at Bay Middle School, parents and students alike will have the opportunity to learn and participate in discussions regarding adolescent drug use and what it means to families. The program, “LET’S TALK ABOUT IT,” is designed to encourage both parents and students to dialogue and also give them the tools on how to address drugs in the community and teen drug use.

Featured speakers Judge Donna Congeni Fitzsimmons from the Rocky River Municipal Court and Detective Kevin Krolkowski from the Bay Village Police Department will share with parents what they see on a daily basis and provide tips on what parents can do. Jennifer Tulli from Recovery Resources will also meet with students and hold an open discussion session.

Recent studies show, now more than ever, due to the heroin and prescription drug epidemic and increased marijuana use among teens, it is essential that parents become proactive and start talking with their children about drugs at a very young age.

To encourage parents to attend with their children on May 6, a contest called “Parent Challenge” was created between the seventh- and eighth-grade Bay Middle School classrooms. Sponsored by Bay Village Kiwanis, the top two classrooms in attendance will receive a pizza party and the winning teachers will win a gift card and be publically recognized for their efforts.

Said the event organizers: “This isn’t just a teen issue – it’s a family, school and community concern. Working together, educating and supporting each other is vital in helping to prevent adolescent drug experimentation and abuse.”

For more information on this subject and tips on building youth resiliency, visit Governor John Kasich's initiative, Start Talking Ohio, at starttalking.ohio.gov.