PROTECT Against Substance Abuse

By Jennifer Lewis-Cooper

Six years ago a group of parents and community leaders banded together to do something in the aftermath of a heroin ring in western Fairfax County and the death of 19-year-old Alicia Lannes. The group known as PROTECT (Parents Reaching Out to Educate Communities Together) sought to educate others about substance abuse, prevention and available resources to PROTECT our children, families and communities from the dangers of alcohol and other drugs.

PROTECT continues its work as part of the nonprofit Unified Prevention Coalition of Fairfax County, and its goal is to educate and to make parents aware that the use of illegal drugs like cocaine, ecstasy (Molly), LSD, synthetic drugs and heroin is happening in Fairfax County.

At two upcoming “PROTECT Against Substance Abuse” community programs in Fairfax County -- Nov. 10 at South County High School and Nov. 18 at Fairfax High School – middle school and high school parents and students can learn the signs and symptoms of teenage drug abuse, what actions parents can take, and where to find supportive resources.

The Nov. 10 forum, hosted by the South County High School PTSO, begins at 7 p.m. in the Silver Box Theater at the school located at 8501 Silverbrook Rd. in Lorton. The Nov. 18 program begins at 7 p.m. at Fairfax High School (Choral Room), and is hosted by the Fairfax High School PTSA. The school is located at 3501 Rebel Run in Fairfax.

Our program makes an impact on each audience because of the very personal stories of the dangers of substance abuse told by our panel of parents, young adults in recovery, and professionals working in this area.

We hope our program helps everyone understand that teenage drug use changes the brain, and we aim to provide information that will help keep youth from using illegal substances. At the same time, we want to share information about local resources for help and where questions can be answered. Addiction is a disease that is treatable, and recovery is possible.

Paula King, intake officer, Fairfax County Juvenile and Domestic Relations Court, will moderate both November forums. Panelists will include Chris Leibowitz, young adult in recovery; Bill Fulton, school resource officer coordinator, Fairfax County Police Department; and David Edelman, LCSW, clinical supervisor, Fairfax-Falls Church Community Service Board Youth and Family Team. Greg Richter, parent of a daughter in recovery, will participate in the South County event. Lori Shapiro, parent of a son in recovery, will take part in the Fairfax event.

Jennifer Lewis-Cooper is the PROTECT coordinator for the Unified Prevention Coalition of Fairfax County.

The Unified Prevention Coalition of Fairfax County is a nonprofit organization with more than 60 community partners working together to keep youth and young adults safe and drug-free. Visit www.unifiedpreventioncoalition.org and www.facebook.com/unifiedpreventioncoalition. Follow the group on Twitter at www.twitter.com/keepyouthsafe.