Anti-drug presentation at Sparta Middle School

By Rose Sgarlato
SPARTA — Sparta Middle School is hosting 'Hidden in Plain Sight' on Thursday, Mar. 9, at 7 pm, presented by the Center for Prevention and Counseling and sponsored by The Sparta Municipal Alliance.
An exhibit of a teenager’s bedroom will be on display for participants to “browse, observe and become familiar with where and how teens might hide drugs or paraphernalia.”
The event is open to parents and adult community members only. Building awareness of drug use and prevention of it as well as providing information is the goal of the event.
“The most important thing is awareness, but it is also a great place for parents to get resources in case they know someone who needs help,” said Tina Aue of the Center for Prevention and Counseling in Newton. “The exhibit will give people an idea of signs, symptoms and trends among drug users.”
Aue said the exhibit has successfully taken place throughout many countries for the past several years.
As described in a release from the center, several factors go into figuring out if someone is using drugs:
“Seemingly innocent items commonly used by youth could actually indicate a substance use problem. This awareness event will allow adults to be more proactive in helping a young person who might be using alcohol or other drugs.”
Local prevention specialists and law enforcement representatives will also be in attendance to talk about local drug trends and how to prevent youth substance use disorders.
“It is not just the Center for Prevention that is involved here-local police and the prosecutor will give a county perspective,” said Aue.
Being proactive and becoming educated in recognizing the signs can lead to proper intervention.
“I am a Registered Nurse working in a pediatric office. My children are grown, but I attended to see what is new. ‘Hidden in Plain Sight’ was a real eye opener, and I took back a wealth of information to share with others in my office,” said an anonymous past attendee.
Hidden in Plain Sight is supported and funded by the Sparta Municipal Alliance.
“The Sparta Municipal Alliance is proud to sponsor ‘Hidden in Plain Sight’ which challenges parents to walk through a bedroom in an attempt to locate signs of drug use. The Alliance encourages parents to attend and participate as they will be surprised at what they overlook,” said Julie Schuldner, coordinator.
For more information: www.centerforprevention.org or call (973)383-4787.