Straight Talk for Teens About Drugs

If you think your children won’t listen to your warnings about drugs and alcohol, maybe they will listen to those who see the effects first-hand.

Mercy is hosting a free forum for teens and parents called, “Straight Talk About Drugs.” It’s set for Tuesday, Aug. 20 from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. at the Hammons Heart Institute Auditorium in Springfield, Mo. Participants will hear from Dr. Kendra Morrison, a Mercy emergency department physician, and from Officer David Snider with the Springfield Police Department. They have both seen how drugs can wreck – and even end - young lives.

“It’s always difficult to have to put a 15 or 16-year-old on life support because of an overdose and watch the family suffer because of their bad choices,” said Dr. Morrison. “It’s worse when we have to tell them we were unable to do anything and they will have to make funeral arrangements instead of planning for college.”

Officer Snider encourages parents to be active in their kids’ lives and maintain an open line of communication. “Take the time to be involved with your kids and educate them on the bad things they can put into their bodies,” he said.

For more information on the forum, just call (417) 888-8888. Registration is not required, and the forum is free. Refreshments will also be provided.