A community approach to tackling youth drug use in the community is the focus of the “Above the Influence” event from 6-8 p.m. Wednesday, May 20 at the Veterans’ Memorial Building in downtown Hollister.
Topics of discussion will include what drugs are prevalent in the community, what signs and symptoms of drug use parents should watch for, what parents can do and where they can get help if they believe their child is using drugs, and how everyone can be part of the comprehensive anti-drug campaign called “Above the Influence.”
“The committee is hoping that any community members attend, with a focus on parents,” said Krystal Lomanto, San Benito County superintendent of schools, who noted that Jason Scimeca from the county probation department and Renee Hankla from the county’s behavioral health services department will be presenting at the event.
Lomanto will provide an introduction at the event, which will close with a question-and-answer period through which anonymous questions provided by the audience will be addressed.
“The idea of hosting this event came from the Law Partnership group that felt like we need to come together as a community to educate our families about what drugs are prevalent in our community,” Lomanto said. “We will also be introducing the anti-drug campaign slogan “Above the Influence” that will start in August.”
Lomanto said community members will be asked to join the task force to “help make a difference with our students, with our community, and with our parents. As county superintendent,. providing a safe and drug-free environment at school and in the community is a priority. I look forward to working with the community and our local agencies to take a stand and be ‘Above the Influence.'”
The Veterans’ Building is located at 649 San Benito St. in downtown Hollister.
The following organizations are participating in the event: San Benito County Office of Education; San Benito County Behavioral Health Services, Youth Alliance, Hollister Police Department, San Benito County Probation Department, San Benito County Sheriff, Gang Prevention Policy Committee, San Benito Public Health Department.