Two churches in Lehigh County area are inviting people from the Southern Lehigh, Upper Bucks and Saucon Valley areas to a program to discuss and learn about the opioid and other drug addiction crises affecting communities across the country–including local suburban and rural areas.
A panel of experts, recovering addicts and representatives of area support, prevention and education agencies will convene at 6:30 p.m. on Wednesday, Sept. 20 at St. John’s UCC, 538 E. Thomas St., Coopersburg.
In addition to speakers, there will be information tables and an opportunity to see a “Mock Teen Bedroom.” The bedroom recreates a typical young person’s room and portrays warning signs of drug or alcohol use. It is an initiative of the Center for Humanistic Change, based in Allentown, and was recently on display at a parents’ night at Saucon Valley High School.
The Sept. 20 program will be unique among drug education and support efforts in that it will include a spiritual component. Pastor Teresa Martin of St. John’s UCC and the Rev. Christian Creyer of Chestnut Hill UCC will offer private prayer and blessings in the sanctuary until the evening concludes at 9:30 p.m.
Among the drug education leaders on hand will be Linda Johnson of Easton, founder and president of Voices for Change, a citizen group that advocates for better approaches to drug treatment and education, and Donna Jacobsen of the Parent and Family Support Group.
More information about the event is available from Johnson at 610-657-2978; or from Jacobsen at 917-763-8978.
