The Purdue Extension Office held a community discussion night about youth substance abuse and what the county can do about it on Wednesday, September 11.
Around 20 parents and members of the community gathered at Jasper Middle School to figure out ways to combat this issue.
After arriving, everybody was divided into three different groups to learn in separate sessions.
The first session featured a staged room. Group members were told to go around the room and look for anything suspicious relating to drugs, vaping or alcohol.
Parents were surprised to learn that a vape device can be disguised as a computer flash drive, and can even be plugged into a USB port.
Other items with a disguise included toiletry bottles that can be filled with alcohol and a pipe that looks like a bracelet.
The second session had a group watch two videos. Both videos showed a daughter arguing with her mom. Group members analyzed the situation and learned how to better communicate in this type of environment.
The third and final session was brainstorming ideas about what the community can do to combat youth substance abuse.
Purdue Extension office Educator of LaPorte County, Allison Goshorn explains more.
Goshorn says they will turn these ideas over to county officials to look at and see what can be done.
To learn more about youth substance abuse, you can either visit inys.indiana.edu or contact the Purdue Extension Office.
