Nearly one in four teens admit to using a prescription drug that wasn’t prescribed to them by a doctor, and a recent survey from the Food and Drug Administration shows 3.6 million middle and high school students are now using e-cigarettes (vapes) in the United States.
“This is an important conversation. Teens and tweens are trying prescription drugs in our area far more than people realize and often without understanding they can be very dangerous,” said MaryAnn Doshier, Public Health Education Specialist. “People assume that because these drugs are prescriptions they are automatically safe. That is dangerously wrong.”
South Central Public Health District (SCPHD) is teaming up with the Twin Falls School District and the Twin Falls Police Department to offer an information panel for local students and parents on February 13th. The panel will include:
- A prescription drug abuse health education specialist answering questions about the risks of sharing prescription drugs, how to talk about it with your kids, and keeping prescription drugs out of your student’s hands.
- A tobacco health education specialist answering questions about vaping, Juuls, and quitting tobacco.
- A member of the Twin Falls Police Department answering questions about the legal trouble a student can face for distributing prescription drugs (dealing), taking someone else’s prescription drugs, or vaping under the age of 18.
"Keeping our students safe and healthy is a joint effort between the schools and parents. It is important that parents take time to talk with their children about the importance of proper handling of medications, never taking pills offered to them, and the importance of reporting such incidents to an adult immediately, to help assure safety for all," said Eva Craner, Director of Public Relations for the Twin Falls School District.
The information panel is open to all parents and students in the Magic Valley with questions about prescription drug abuse and/or vaping:
Pillar Falls Elementary School
3105 Stadium Blvd, Twin Falls, ID
February 13th, 7:00-8:30 p.m.
“It’s important parents and teachers know about the newest vaping devices, what chemicals are in them, and how dangerous they may be,” said Cody Orchard, SCPHD Health Education Specialist. “We want to give parents the right tools to protect their kids.”
For more information about prescription drug abuse, tobacco, vaping, or cessation classes please visit phd5.idaho.gov/tobacco, or call (208) 737-5900.
