PRINCESS ANNE — Dirty clothes and unwashed dishes may not be the only thing parents can find in a teenager’s bedroom or bathroom.
How about that highlighter on the desk, could it be a vape pen? Are those gummy bears really candy or are they marijuana edibles?
Is that bottle of eye drop solution necessary because of too much studying, or is it to mask the bloodshot eyes from alcohol or drug abuse?
At “Prevent Event 2024” the Harford County Sheriff’s Office will bring its mobile H.O.P.E. House (Heroin Overdose Prevention Effort) to Princess Anne so those over 18 and especially parents and guardians can learn more about the myriad of ways drugs can be hidden in plain sight inside a simulated young person’s bedroom and bathroom.
May is Mental Health Awareness Month and the Washington Academy and High School chapter of Students Against Destructive Decisions (SADD) and the Somerset County Youth Advisory Council (SCYAC) are partnering with the Somerset County Health Department and Local Management Board to host the event Thursday, May 16 from 5 to 7 p.m. at the school.
Free and open to the public there will be free hotdogs, chips and drinks. Dozens of community groups will be set up with information ranging from health and wellness to music therapy to wraparound services for all ages.
There will be NARCAN training by the Health Department, an opportunity for parents to update their child’s photo ID card sponsored by the Princess Anne Police Department, and a photo booth by P.S. I Love You, a nonprofit born out of suicide that promotes maintaining positive mental health.
As participants visit each display raffle tickets will be given for a grand prize drawing that includes a camping tent, four camp chairs and sleeping bags, an Igloo cooler, tent lights and lanterns and more.
While this is a countywide event, students at WAHS are preparing by participating in a mental health essay contest, and a flag/banner design contest with the awareness month theme. There is also a new commercial produced by students and it will soon be aired locally and online.
Mental health among young people is not something to be dismissed, but members of SADD and the SCYAC find their feelings are not always validated by adults who tell them to “Get over it” or “they’re too young to be sad.”
School nurse Lynne Brumley, who is the SADD advisor and liaison for the SCYAC, said Prevent Event 2024 is all about awareness and resources that can promote good mental health, provide useful information, and steer young people away from harm.
She said 17 teachers are also participating in mental health activities through their lesson plans between May 9-22 at the school.
This is a rain or shine event as except for the H.O.P.E. House trailer all activities will be inside the school. Additional sponsors include True You Maryland, a component of the Maryland Department of Health which focuses on Somerset and five other rural counties to address teen pregnancy and sexually transmitted diseases.
Visitors are encouraged to wear green when attending to show support for Mental Health Month. Contact Mrs. Brumley at 410-651-0480 or lbrumley@somerset.k12.md.us for more information.
Most Popular
Comments / 0