Representative Tom Calter hosts December 3 substance abuse awareness program at W. Bridgewater school

Contact: Amy Belmore

Cell: 617-908-4653

Rep. Calter hosts December 3 West Bridgewater Substance Abuse Awareness Program for Parents & Caring Adults: “Do You Know What You Need to Know?” panel addresses teen choices and opiate epidemic

KINGSTON and W. BRIDGEWATER, MA, ISSUED NOVEMBER 18, 2014…Do You Know What You Need to Know?

Parents may think they know what to warn kids about when it comes to drugs and alcohol, but there are startling new trends and methods of use making their way through teen social circles. Learn about substance abuse awareness at a program for parents and adults Wednesday, Dec. 3, from 7 to 9 p.m. at the W. Bridgewater Middle-Senior High School Auditorium, 155 West Center Street, West Bridgewater. The program is presented by State Representative Tom Calter.

From household products and powerful prescription meds to dangerous use of alcohol

and street drugs, including heroin, this program will offer eye-opening information that will educate and surprise. Get up to speed on the issues and trends ... learn the warning signs,

tips for communicating with your child, strategies for intervention, and more. Opiate overdose has become an epidemic in our area today, impacting families from all demographics -- don’t miss this powerful panel presentation designed to keep our children safe.

Panelists will include experts from the youth treatment industry, law enforcement, School Resource Officer, and a parent dealing with the devastating outcomes. The program will be hosted and moderated by Representative Tom Calter and will conclude with a Q&A session.

“We all want our kids to make decisions that keep them safe and healthy, but the reality is they are faced with challenges and choices on many fronts. With opiate and heroin overdose at an epidemic level, I want to equip parents with the information and tools they can use to communicate with their children about the dangers of substance abuse, and to be alert to problems should they develop” said Representative Calter, who will serve as host and moderator of the program. “Teenagers are taking risks that can lead to long-lasting outcomes and death; if this program can help prevent just one bad choice, it will have been worthwhile.”

Wynn Schoeneck, General Manager of the Kingston Collection and the sponsor of the program, said, “Kingston Collection is proud to support substance abuse awareness education to fight the dangerous trends in drug use in our community, and we applaud all the work Rep. Calter does to promote health and safety for this generation and those to come.”

All parents and adults who interact with kids of any age are encouraged to attend,

with special focus on issues and decision-making facing youth in Grades 5 - 12. This program is also intended for grandparents, educators, coaches, and youth activity volunteers. No registration is required. Because this program is designed for candid dialogue among adults, it is not meant for youth attendance. For more information, please contact abbelmore@hotmail.com or 617-908-4653.