LaPorte Community School Corporation and the City of LaPorte have mobilized efforts to strategically address community substance abuse in our community. As part of an overall strategy, LaPorte High School, LaPorte Drug Free Partnership, Purdue North Central's Community Health Education Nursing students, and LaPorte High School's Student Government have collaborated to sponsor an "Above the Influence" student health fair and panel discussion, and evening parent forum on Tuesday, October 23, 2012.
Under the auspice of LaPorte Principal, Greg Handel, PNC Assistant Professor of Nursing, Peggy Rose, LaPorte County Drug Free Partnership representatives, Micki Webb & Joseph Bunch and LaPorte High School student government representatives planned events for both students, parents, and community members. Event organizers felt it was critical for PNC nursing students to have the opportunity to participate in substance abuse prevention initiative from a community health perspective and to give high school students who are on the front lines a voice in planning this event. Organizers also believed that the panel presenters who have been directly effected would have the most impact on the audience.
The October 23rd evening parent forum will be held at 6:00 p.m. in the LaPorte High School Auditorium and moderated by WIMS radio personality, Brian Brophy who will facilitate discussion from individuals directly impacted by substance abuse in our community including Mayor Blair Milo, Deputy Coroner, Mark Huffman, families personally impacted by recent overdoses, and treatment providers. Following the event, attendees will have the opportunity to speak with community professionals and gather resource information and materials.