Professionals gathered Nov. 12 to hear presentations intended to help children navigate safely through adolescence.
Experts on drug policy, substance abuse prevention and treatment, and law enforcement addressed the challenges today's youth face as part of the annual professional fall conference presented by the Safe Communities Coalition of Hunterdon/Somerset and Hunterdon Prevention Resources.
"This year we were very fortunate to have a great combination of local and national experts who conveyed their thoughts and expertise on the escalating drug problem on a local, state and national level," said Jerri Collevechio, HPR senior director and conference coordinator.
"The presenters also outlined plans and techniques to help decrease the flow and use of prescription drugs, heroin and more potent forms of marijuana among the youth and adult populations."
The conference, held Nov. 12 at Raritan Valley Community College, drew more than 130 parents, school administrators, student assistance counselors, guidance counselors and school nurses, as well as local government officials, law enforcement and prevention/treatment professionals. They listened to presentations that were intended to help children navigate safely through their adolescent, teen and young adult years. The conference was presented in collaboration with the Hunterdon County Municipal Alliance and RVCC.
Hunterdon County Prosecutor Anthony P. Kearns III and Somerset County Prosecutor Geoffrey D. Soriano shared their views on the heroin epidemic in both counties, and the effective use of Narcan to reverse the effects of heroin overdoses.
Guest speakers provided educational and action-oriented information on heroin, opioid and marijuana abuse, and how coalitions are addressing these issues across the country.
John J. Hoffman, acting New Jersey Attorney General, served as the keynote speaker, and he detailed the New Jersey Heroin Initiative, which he said has four guiding principles.
"We need to be smart, aggressive, opportunistic and compassionate toward those suffering from addiction," said Hoffman. "It is not purely a law enforcement issue, it needs to be an integrated holistic approach."
Hoffman touched on the NJ Prescription Drug Monitoring Program, a pain management initiative, and the use of Narcan among law enforcement personnel throughout the state.
Helen Hernandez, administrator for the Drug Free Communities program of the White House Office of National Drug Control Policy, spoke about the support program for approximately 700 communities and coalitions throughout the United States. "Local problems require local solutions," said Hernandez. "Therefore, through the DFC program, we are focusing on strengthening community collaboration and changing the environment to reduce substance abuse among our youth populations."
Jermaine Galloway, a police officer from Boise, Idaho, also known as the "Tall Cop," presented High in Plain Sight.
Galloway is a nationally recognized drug awareness instructor, known for his research on alcohol and drug trends. Galloway cautioned attendees to take a closer look for potential signs of drug use, such as logos and other "seemingly innocent" images on hats and clothing.
He illustrated though photos and videos the process of extracting THC oil from raw marijuana, also known as "dabbing." According to Galloway the dabbing process, which produces an odorless waxy substance, is done using butane lighters and increases the potency of THC from 15% to roughly 70% to 80%. Galloway also highlighted the use of vape pens, synthetic designer drugs and other potential dangers facing youth today, including electronic dance music festivals which often promote the use of designer drugs such as "Molly."
The afternoon session of the conference featured a panel of experts from prevention, treatment and law enforcement who fielded questions about heroin in New Jersey, and the use of Narcan, an antidote for heroin overdose victims.
Karen Widico, co-executive director of HPR, moderated the panel, which included Hunterdon County Prosecutor Anthony P. Kearns III, Somerset County Assistant Prosecutor Michael McLaughlin, counselor Lorin Gaffen, Manville Police Officer Richard Ozieblo, and Flemington Patrolman Frank Emanuele.
Panelists discussed the Overdose Prevention Act, also known as the Good Samaritan law, which provides immunity from prosecution to anyone in need of medical care due to a drug overdose.
"The Safe Communities Coalition has been on the forefront in support of the Overdose Prevention Act," said Lesley Gabel, HPR co-executive director and project director for the Coalition. "We also were instrumental in getting the first permanent Rx drop box installed at the Hunterdon County Justice Center. There are now 12 in our region for Hunterdon and Somerset counties."
The Coalition has also been working with hospitals, pharmacies and hospice in an attempt to keep unused prescription medications from falling into the hands of youth.