Hastings and Prince Edward Counties/March 18, 2019 – Over the coming weeks, Hastings Prince Edward Public Health, together with community partners, is offering information sessions for parents and caregivers of teens.
According to a recent Ontario Student Drug Use and Health Survey, 36.9% of youth have tried cannabis by Grade 12. Males and females are equally likely to use cannabis. While curiosity and risk taking is a normal part of the teenage years, parents and caregivers can play a key role in preventing or delaying drug use among youth.
Parents and Caregivers of students in grade 7 to 12 are invited to attend evening presentations about teens and cannabis. These sessions are being offered throughout the community and are open to all parents and caregivers regardless of school board affiliation.
Sessions will include information about:
- The new reality of cannabis
- Why cannabis use is harmful to youth
- Legalization of cannabis and what parents need to know about the law
- Strategies for parents to help prevent or delay the use of cannabis and other drugs
- What community resources are available for support
Sessions will be taking place:
March 20, 2019 – Belleville – Eastside Secondary School, 6:30pm – 7:45pm
March 21, 2019 – Picton – Prince Edward Collegiate Institute – 6:30pm – 7:45pm
March 27, 2019 – Bancroft – North Hastings High School – 6:30pm – 7:45pm
April 16, 2019 – Quinte West – St. Paul Catholic Secondary School, 6:30pm – 7:45pm
“With the recent legalization of cannabis, this is a very important time to discuss teenage drug use with parents and caregivers” says Dr. Piotr Oglaza, Medical Officer of Health and CEO at HPE Public Health. “We hope to provide parents and caregivers with information about how they can help prevent or delay drug use.”
These sessions are being offered in partnership with Addictions and Mental Health Services Hastings Prince Edward, the Algonquin and Lakeshore Catholic District School Board, the Belleville Police Service, the Hastings and Prince Edward District School Board, and the Ontario Provincial Police. Registration is not required.
For more information, visit hpePublicHealth.ca/cannabis
-30-
Media Contact:
Emily Tubbs, Communications Specialist
613-966-5500 x 464
etubbs@hpeph.ca
About Hastings Prince Edward Public Health
Hastings Prince Edward Public Health (HPEPH) is a public health agency that serves the counties of Hastings and Prince Edward from four local offices. We monitor the health of our local population, deliver programs and services within our communities, and help develop healthy public policies. We provide information and support in many areas to help improve the health and well-being of our residents. Together with our communities, we help people become as healthy as they can be. For more information, please visit www.hpePublicHealth.ca. You can also find us on Facebook or follow us on Twitter.
