Summit focuses on youth drug prevention

A weeklong summit held by Jefferson County Public Health May 20 through 24 hopes to raise awareness among youth, parents, and the community about the danger of opioid use.

The summit includes assemblies at Culver and 509J schools and Kids Club. Representatives from the Opioid Response Network will be present to engage students in presentations and activities around drug awareness and prevention.

“It’s in this community, we need to make sure youth know the risks,” said Jefferson County Public Health Prevention Specialist. “Preventing kids from starting drugs in the first place is essential.”

The beginning of the week will contain assemblies, with meetings of the JCPH Youth Advisory Council and a virtual parent summit Wednesday, May 22 and in-person summits for youth from 3:30 p.m. to 5:30 p.m. and parents from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. on May 23 at the Madras Performing Arts Center.

May 24 concludes the summit with a community partners event from 9 a.m. to 12 p.m., focused on bringing the entire community together. “It’s a community effort,” said Titus. “We need to have everyone working together to make it happen.”

More information about the summit can be found by contacting Jefferson County Public Health at 541-475-4456.