Project Aware Hosts Meeting To Bring Drug Awareness To Parents

October 23, 2023 |

Photo – Project Aware – Courtesy carboncountyaware.com

Illegal drug usage is an unfortunate reality of our time. Rawlins High School is teaching parents how to keep their kids away from drugs.

This Wednesday, October 25^th, Carbon County School District One Project Aware is hosting a meeting to discuss current drug trends in Carbon County. Rawlins High School Social Worker Diane MacPherson said she, Carbon County Sheriff’s Office School Resource Officer Joel Robinson, and Rawlins Police Department School Resource Officer Amber Yardley will hold a series of monthly meetings about modern parenting.

MacPherson said Wednesday’s class will focus on the most prevalent illicit drugs found in Carbon County. MacPherson said the event will feature guest speakers with specific knowledge about the subject matter.

MacPherson said she is unable to provide more information about the guest speakers because she is required to protect their identities.

Deputy Robinson said pot and meth are two of the most widespread illegal drugs accessible to young people. Deputy Robinson said fentanyl is also gaining a foothold in Carbon County.

Deputy Robinson said drugs aren’t getting into Carbon County from a single source. The school resource officer said drug trafficking is a problem across the country.

Deputy Robinson said fentanyl use has not become a major issue for young people, yet.

The school resource officer said parents who suspect their child may be on drugs should be on the lookout for sudden changes in behavior. Deputy Robinson said the monthly classes are designed to provide everyone with the tools to spot drug abuse.

MacPherson said communication is the best tool parents have for keeping their kids off drugs. The high school social worker said parents need to be aware of who their children spend time with.

Deputy Robinson agreed with MacPherson. The school resource officer said parents need to set aside time to speak to their kids and be willing to listen.

MacPherson said Wednesday’s class is the most recent in a series of monthly meetings about mental health and drug use in young people. She said childcare and food will be available during the event.

The topic of this month’s Protecting Kids class is current drug trends in Carbon County. MacPherson said attendees will choose which topics future classes will cover.

Deputy Robinson said due to how quickly things change, classes are likely to cover the same subjects more than once. The school resource officer said parents can contact him or MacPherson at Rawlins High School if they have any questions.

The Current Drug Trends in Carbon County class is this Wednesday, October 25^th, beginning at 6:00 pm in the Rawlins High School library. Admission is free.