Howell Alliance Hosts Program 'Every Parent Should Attend'

HOWELL, NJ — The Howell Alliance has announced a new event coming to the community in partnership with both Freehold Regional High School District and the NJEA FAST grant, said Alliance Coordinator, Christa Riddle.

Hidden in Plain Sight, a drug awareness program, is designed to help parents understand the hidden signs of drug abuse, Riddle said. The program will be streamed on March 22 at 6:30 p.m. Registration for the webinar is now open.

During the virtual presentation, DEA Special Agent Timothy McMahon will lead all participants through a teen bedroom exhibit and discuss substance abuse signs and trends, Riddle said. The purpose of the presentation is to raise awareness among all guardians of unfamiliar hazards that are frequently hidden in plain sight or disguised as familiar, everyday objects.

"Hidden in Plain Sight is important to host in Howell because it informs parents on how to be proactive in keeping up with substance use trends," Riddle said.

The Howell Alliance's mission, according to its website, is to prevent substance abuse and other high-risk behaviors. They also promote physical, mental, and social well-being, as well as stigma reduction associated with substance abuse and mental health disorders.

"The better informed parents are with substance use and mental health disorders and warning signs, how to effectively communicate with their children and teens, and how to find the proper support resources," Riddle told Patch via email, "the better the outcomes when it comes to youth physical, social, and mental well-being."

For more information on the Howell Alliance call, (732)-938-4500 ext. 4012.