Knowing the signs and symptoms of drug use in our children can be difficult, especially in a time when items specifically designed to conceal drugs and alcohol from parents are easily purchased online or at the local shopping mall. Luckily for residents of Hanover County, a local coalition is working to educate parents to recognize the signs and symptoms of drug and alcohol use among teens. 

Teens Care Too and Hanover Cares have worked together to develop a free community initiative called “Hidden in Plain Sight:  To Snoop or Not to Snoop”.  Teens Care Too is an organization led by a group of Hanover County high school students being sponsored by Hanover Cares coalition, an organization whose mission is to support healthy opportunities for Hanover youth and parents as well as attempt to reduce the substance abuse in our community. 

The event will be held from 6:00-8:30 p.m. on October 16 at New Song United Methodist Church, located at 7450 Colts Neck Road, Mechanicsville, VA 23111.

The Hanover County Sheriff’s Office will have a narcotics officer lead a presentation and “Reveal”, highlighting over 50 items hidden in the bedroom, along with the signs of possible drug and alcohol use.  Dana Gaskin, from the Hanover Community Services Board, will provide a special presentation to parents called “Talking Tips” to prepare parents to effectively discuss this difficult topic with their teen.

Because of the sensitive nature of Hidden in Plain Sight, this event is for adults only.

There is no cost to attend the event; however, pre-registration is required.  For more information contact Octavia Marsh, Executive Director of Hanover Cares, at (804) 564-6119 or by email at [email protected].