Drug prevention Reality Tour set Sept. 25
A Reality Tour Parent/Child Drug Prevention Program is set to begin Sept. 25 at North Main Street Church of God, 1201 N. Main St. Ext., Butler Township.
Reality Tour, a project of the nonprofit organization Candle, helps parents “get on the same page” with their child when it comes to drug prevention, according to Norma Norris, Reality Tour founder.
The Butler Area School District will encourage parents to attend.
“Drug prevention education for youth and families is very important. We're happy the Reality Tour is available in our community to share real stories of substance abuse and the devastating impact that even one use can have on families,” said Brian White, district superintendent.
Before the COVID-19 pandemic more than 750 residents attended Reality Tour annually, and Norris wants to see that many attend again.
“The (U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention) shows a 94% increase for drug deaths for youth age 10 to 19. This is due to fentanyl poisoning encountered in experimental drug use — sometimes with the very first use,” Norris said.
Families with children age 10 and older may register online at RealityTour.org. at a fee of $6 per person. Families on the free lunch program may attend for free. Those interested in volunteering may email RealityTour@candleinc.org or call 724-679-1788.
