‘Families Talking Together’

Event focuses on preventing risky behaviors in youths

SAN LUIS, Ariz. – Around 90 parents participated in the “Families Talking Together” Parent Conference, which for the third year was offered by the organization Campesinos Sin Fronteras (CSF) in this city.

The conference, also aimed at caregivers of minors, focused on the theme of effective communication between parents and youth to help prevent risky behaviors, in a presentation led by psychologist Sandra Martínez.

Additionally, parents received information about the trend of vaping and electronic cigarettes among youth and even children, which have evolved not only to pass as permissible items but also to become more appealing to that population.

Mariola Valencia, a youth health educator at CSF, and José Gallardo, a health and communications specialist, were the presenters on these topics and underscored the health risks associated with vaping.

Another topic covered was fentanyl and its presence in the community, as well as the risks of addiction and overdose that can lead to death for those who consume it, given its potency considered to be 100 times stronger than morphine and lethal even in small doses.

CSF promoted the use of the drug naloxone at the event to assist individuals experiencing opioid overdoses like fentanyl, and the benefit of the Good Samaritan Law, which in Arizona prevents charges from being filed against victims.

The organization distributed naloxone kits during the conference so that parents have this lifesaving tool at hand.

Throughout the conference, there were information booths from various agencies, and the Police Department conducted a collection drive for expired or unused medications, also receiving a positive response from the public.

The Parent Conference took place in the gymnasium of Southwest Jr. High School and was organized by the Youth and Family Services Department of CSF.