November 10, 2017Norwalk’s Courage To Speak Adapts Program To Tackle Opioid Crisis
Larry and Ginger Katz of the Courage to Speak Foundation have adapted their program to tackle the current opioid epidemic. Photo Credit: Casey Donahue
NORWALK, Conn. — The Courage to Speak Foundation has developed a new program, “Parenting Through the Opioid Crisis and Beyond,” a free drug prevention course designed specifically for parents of elementary, middle, and high school students.
The program was developed by the Courage to Speak Foundation by a grant from the Department of Mental Health and Addiction Services. This new program is specifically designed to address the current opioid epidemic and is offered free to parents in the community.
The program covers topics such as addiction and its physiological consequences; abuse and misuse of over-the-counter and prescription medications; communication and listening strategies; warning signs and symptoms of drug use; practical steps if you suspect drug use; parent resources, and more.
The Courage to Speak Foundation drug prevention programs comprise a multi-component, holistic model that engages home, school and community to address youth drug abuse and provide students, parents, educators and others with knowledge and skills to achieve healthy solutions.
This special program will kick off on Nov. 14 at West Rocks Middle School in Norwalk, with a live presentation by Ginger Katz, founder of the Courage to Speak Foundation. Katz tells her compelling story of her son Ian’s losing battle with drugs and provides guidance to parents to help them reduce the risk of drug use in their families.
The second part of the first session will be presented by Larry Katz, co-founder of the Courage to Speak Foundation. The second session on Nov. 16 at West Rocks Middle School is the delivery of the “Parenting Through the Opioid Crisis and Beyond” by Carlos Reinoso, MSMO, BHCC. This program is sponsored by First County Bank.
