To the editor:
On Thursday, Sept. 21, Portsmouth High School will hold its annual open house. In addition to the school information, parents will have an opportunity to visit a display called …
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To the editor:
On Thursday, Sept. 21, Portsmouth High School will hold its annual open house. In addition to the school information, parents will have an opportunity to visit a display called “Hidden in Plain Sight” any time from 5:30-8:45 p.m.
Parents will see how easy it is for kids to hide drugs and paraphernalia in a typical bedroom. This guided event encourages parents to “add power to your parenting by being informed and then intervening if you think your child might be using drugs or alcohol.” Middle school parents are also welcome to attend.
Despite the good news from the 2016 Needs Assessment that the use of drugs and alcohol by Portsmouth youth has decreased, our community is struggling with the opioid crisis as witnessed by the number of young adults dying of accidental overdoses. According to the needs assessment report, “the number of overdose deaths in Portsmouth confirms that the opioid overdose problem on Aquidneck Island has its roots in Portsmouth; heroin treatment cases in Portsmouth increased 500 percent from 2012-2014.” (For full report, see www.portsmouthschoolsri.org.)
It is inconceivable, but sadly true, that a small number of our current high school students are using heroin. Middle school students that are identified with anxiety, being bullied, academic struggles or early substance use are at greater risk.
Every parent has a part to play in helping not just their own children but the classmates, teammates, bandmates and neighbors of their children. Please take advantage of the PHS open house and ask questions and read our informational materials on combating substance abuse. For thought provoking articles search: “No One Brings You Casseroles/Dinner When Your Child is an Addict,” by by Katie Donovan or Larry Lake.
Liz Morley
Past vice-chairwoman
Portsmouth Prevention Coalition