‘Crisis in our own Backyard’ presentation on opioid epidemic to be held at Chardon High School

Chardon Schools officials say education, prevention, research and treatment are crucial to fighting the opioid epidemic.

Parents and community members will have the chance to learn more about various aspects of the epidemic at an event hosted by the district’s Active Substance Abuse Prevention (ASAP) student group.

“Crisis in our own Backyard” will be held 6:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. April 20 at Chardon High School.

State Sen. John Eklund, R-Munson Township, will give the opening remarks at the event, followed by ASAP members.

After those remarks, the event will be split into breakout sessions to meet the different needs of attendees.

Geauga County Sheriff Scott Hildenbrand, Chardon Municipal Court Judge Terri L. Stupica and Chardon Fire Department Capt. John Blauch will discuss “What’s Happening in our Town.”

Missy Bell of Ravenwood Mental Health Center and Matthew Petersen of Lake Geauga Recovery Centers will discuss “Protective Factors, What Parents Can Do.”

Phil Flauto and Kate Gehlfuss of Ravenwood will discuss signs and signals of substance use.

Dave Hanlon and Lake Geauga Recovery Center alumni will give lessons of hope and stories of recovery.

Family Pride and Ubuntu Wellness will discuss strategies for managing stress successfully.

School Resource Officer Mike Shaw of the Chardon Police Department will discuss social media. This presentation is for parents and adult caregivers only.

The psychological impact of teen drug use also will be discussed in a breakout session.