The City of Mission Viejo is continuing a tough proactive stance on the problem of prescription drug abuse by launching a 2-part series this month designed to educate parents and teens.
On Thursday, October 4, parents are encouraged to attend a free screening of the poignant movie “Behind the Orange Curtain.” Teens and young adults are dying because they ingest pills. This “must-see” movie starts at 7 p.m. at the Norman P. Murray Community and Senior Center, 24932 Veterans Way.
“Abuse of prescription drugs has reached epidemic proportions in the lives of our young people, right here in our wonderful community,” said Mayor Pro Tem Rhonda Reardon. “As parents and involved adults, let’s commit to becoming informed of the problem so we can be part of the solution. This free eye-opening movie illustrates the reality of drug abuse here in Orange County.”
Then on October 10, parents are encouraged to attend Part 2 of the series with their teens age 12 and older. The “Prescription & Over-the-Counter Drug Abuse – What Parents and Teens Should Know” presentation is from 6:30 p.m. to 9 p.m. at the community center. Youth from the Community of Character Committee organized the teen portion of this forum to encourage their peers to make healthier choices for themselves. The program begins with free pizza and includes presentations for adults by Deputy Darren Braham of the School Mobil Assessment Resource Team; Special Agent Mark Nomady from the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration; and Dr. Dan Headrick, Medical Director of Mission Pacific Coast Recovery. Brooke Beasley, Senior Deputy Orange County Coroner; John Bruce, Pharmacist/Owner of Cal-Med Pharmacy; and drug abuse survivors will be on hand for a causal forum with the teens.
The night is ultimately geared toward increasing communication between parents and youth.
“Until recently, the war on drugs has been against illegal ‘street’ drugs,” said Lt. Chris Wilson, Chief of Police Services. “It’s crucial that we stay vigilant as the accessibility of prescription and over-the-counter drugs increases exposure and opportunities for youth to make deadly choices.”
For more information, call 949-470-8433.
