‘Hidden in Plain Sight’ event April 30 to help parents detect signs of alcohol, drug use by teens

A number of government and community groups will host a program Tuesday, April 30 at Varina High School to help parents detect signs of drug and alcohol use by their teens.

The event, “Hidden in Plain Sight,” will take place from 5:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. at the school, located at 7053 Messer Road. It is the result of a partnership between Henrico County Public Schools, the Henrico Sheriff’s Office, Varina High School’s and John Rolfe Middle School’s sports programs, Henrico Area Mental Health – Prevention Services, Henrico Too Smart 2 Start Coalition, and other community partners.

The event is designed to replicate a teenager’s bedroom to allow parents to “snoop” and practice looking for indicators of drug use and hiding spots. Officials will demonstrate how alcohol and drugs can be hidden easily in a bedroom and teach parents ways to engage in proactive and healthy discussions with teens.

Parents are encouraged to bring their children, who will be able to participate in the Youth Substance Misuse Town Hall during a breakout session. Refreshments will be provided for the children.

Was this article informative? Help us write more like it.

Trustworthy, non-partisan local news coverage is a vital component of our democracy – it’s why the press is the only private institution mentioned by name in the Constitution. But it costs money to keep a newsroom like ours at the Henrico Citizen alive, and we no longer can rely upon advertiser support alone.

That’s why we’re asking readers like you to support our independent, fact-based journalism. We know you value it – you wouldn’t be here otherwise. Help us keep this critical source of fair coverage alive in Henrico County by making a contribution today: https://henricocitizen.fundjournalism.org/contribute/.

Show your support.