The Hart School District has scheduled an online free webinar for Monday, Sept. 12, from 6:30 p.m. to  7:30 p.m., to educate parents and students about drugs that are being used by students in local neighborhoods. This is the second in an ongoing series and will focus on over-the-counter and prescription drug use and abuse.

Visit: https://www3.gotomeeting.com/register/443264214 to register.

The district’s drug awareness and education program, called CADRE – Comprehensive Alcohol and Drug Reduction and Education – in coordination with Medtox Laboratories have developed a program to help parents and students understand these issues, encourage prevention and provide support.

Drugs sold “over-the-counter” and prescription drugs are more popular than ever, with the accessibility and the misconception that they are safe since they are sold legally, causing teens to abuse these drugs in record numbers. Many teenagers begin experimenting with these drugs because of many misconceptions that over the counter drugs are much safer than street drugs. Many parents are unaware of the damages that over the counter drugs/household items can have on their child. With the rise of heroin use in the Santa Clarita Valley most teens faced with this life-long addiction began by experimenting with prescription drugs such as Vicodin or Oxycontin.

“The District is committed to helping our community, parents and students to become drug free and drug aware,” Kathy Hunter, Coordinator of Student Services said. “We have additional webinars planned for this year and will continue to add information on the District’s website to better inform and educate parents.”

The CADRE program empowers students by giving them a reason to say NO to illegal drug and alcohol use and also provides parents with assurances that their sons or daughters are not using drugs or alcohol. CADRE offers voluntary random drug testing which gives students a reason to say NO to drug use, while promoting a safe and drug-free school environment and encouraging responsible decision making.

Additionally, CADRE offers seminars to educate students and parents about the types of drugs used and abused in the school community and how to detect signs of drug or alcohol use. CADRE also offers counseling support by an approved licensed drug counselor when drug use has been detected.

CADRE is a voluntary program of the Hart School District. More information is available on the District’s website: http://hartdistrict.org/index.php/students/cadre.

The webinar will be posted for future viewing on the above website approximately two weeks following the presentation. The July webinar is available for viewing on the website.

The Hart School District works closely with the SCV Sheriff’s Department and the City of Santa Clarita in a pro-active approach to keep students safe and drug free, through education and school and citywide programs.