CHS to Hold Important Prescription Drug Abuse Forum

Please join the leaders of Coventry Public Schools for an important, informational “Prescription Drug Use/Abuse” forum on Thursday, September 27, 2012 at 6 p.m. in the Coventry High School Auditorium. This forum is aimed at bringing the community together to learn about a disturbing, ongoing trend of drug abuse in local schools.

Representatives from the Emergency Department at Kent Hospital, Coventry Human Services, Coventry Police, The Phoenix House, RI Drug Court and school psychologists will be present to provide insight on the importance of drug education, the warning signs of drug/substance abuse and what parents and educators can do to keep our children safe.   

“Drug abuse among teenagers in the community has become a significant and extremely dangerous issue,” said Susan Chandler, assistant principal at Coventry High School. “Protecting our children from harm is a top priority of the Coventry School Department and this meeting will allow knowledgeable specialists from a variety of different organizations in our area to answer the questions and concerns you may have as a parent or guardian.”

In April, Kent Hospital issued a community warning after a dramatic increase in drug overdoses, many of which resulted in death. Many of these incidents have been linked to prescription drugs, heroin and marijuana use among teenagers and those in their early 20s.

We encourage any parent/guardian to attend, especially those who have high-school aged children. For more information, please contact Susan Chandler at (401) 822-9499 ext 185.