March 17, 2022
By: Dwayne Page
The DeKalb Prevention Coalition will be hosting the Tennessee National Guard Counter Drug Task Force’s Stashed Away Trailer in the parking lot of the DeKalb County Complex on Tuesday, March 29.
The trailer is a mobile display designed to simulate a “typical” teenager’s bedroom, complete with all the paraphernalia and imagery one would expect to see but not necessarily understand from today’s younger culture. In the room, attendees will learn the meanings of signs, symbols and clothing, common hiding spots, and other precursors that can be tips for otherwise unsuspecting parents. The goal is to empower adults with the knowledge and tools to make an impact when talking to youth and to deter them from substance use and abuse.
“Everyday parents and guardians easily miss the signs of youth substance abuse. The Stashed Away Trailer is a substance abuse awareness event for parents. The trailer replicates a teenager’s bedroom and the potential items that can be indicators of experimentation with drugs and alcohol,” said Jennifer Matthews, Director of the DeKalb Prevention Coalition.
Prior to the walk through of the trailer, participants are asked to attend a meeting to become better informed about detecting the signs of youth substance abuse.
“Officers will have a presentation on current youth trends. DPC will also give an update on prevention efforts we have for the month of March,” said Matthews.
Youth today have more opportunities with less education on the danger of illegal substances. Newer substances become more readily available to a wider market. Many times, substances are disguised as everyday objects to covertly conceal them inside a simple can of soda or a hairbrush. Parents and teachers who are not informed as to what things mean to a user can be the difference between a child/youth progressing in the cycle of substance use and abuse. This program will educate parents and teachers of youth (primarily preteen and teenage at-risk youth) on the warning signs to identify potentially dangerous behaviors and lifestyle choices as well as how to intervene for a more positive outcome on behalf of those young targets before their life choices become terminal decisions. Drugs, violence and crime don’t discriminate against gender, skin color, religion or affiliation. Everyone can fall victim, and everyone is responsible to educate the next generation. At the conclusion of the experience, attendees will be provided with valuable resources such as: contact information for local prevention coalitions, substance abuse counselors, specific informational brochures, and much more. This will allow parents and teachers to continue fighting on behalf of their youth with the information gained from the experience.
The meeting will be Tuesday, March 29th at 12-Noon with a free lunch provided in the UT Extension training room at the Community Complex. Enter the building through the UT Extension double doors. The first room on the right is the training room. The training is free, and the lunch is free. The stashed away trailer will be in the large parking lot of the Community Complex until 2 p.m. that day.
If you are interested in attending the meeting, you may email the coalition at dekalbtnprevention@gmail or send a facebook message so they can have an estimate for lunch.