On Vashon Island in Washington State, a group of parents, teenagers, law enforcement officials, and others came together to discuss the dangers of adolescent drug and alcohol use. The forum was convened in response to a recent survey which revealed that rates of teen substance abuse on the island are higher than statewide averages.

"The forum on drug and alcohol use among teens was sponsored by the PTSA and spearheaded by Laura Hansen, a mother active in school issues... In an effort to counter the perception that drinking and marijuana use are tolerated by adults on the Island, Hansen handed out a 'parents' pledge'. Parents who signed it vowed to 'teach our children to view alcohol and drug use as a serious concern...'"

Among the forum's speakers was Vashon High School student Hilary Hammond, who bravely shared her story of addiction and recovery. Last June she arrived at school so drunk that she couldn't walk straight. Today, she's clean and sober and is a primary voice in Vashon's effort to reduce teen drug and alcohol use. Source: Tacoma Daily Index

Labels: community_programs, recovery, support