ALLPORT – On an almost daily basis, drugs have an effect on the headlines in the news. Whether it is someone robbing a pharmacy for painkillers or 40-plus people being arrested for selling heroin and marijuana, drugs and their effects have become prevalent in Clearfield County everyday life.
To help inform parents about drugs and their affects, the West Branch Student Assistance Team and the Pennsylvania Office of the Attorney General teamed up for a presentation Thursday night at West Branch High School.
Elaine Surma, senior supervisory narcotics agent with the Office of the Attorney General, gave a presentation on drugs ranging from club drugs like marijuana and Ecstasy to hardcore drugs like heroin and methamphetamine.
“When I first started my career … I didn’t think I’d be in Clearfield County or Jefferson County,” said Surma. “But it’s (drugs) here. It’s a money-maker.
“We’re here to to childproof your child against this,” added Surma.
Topics discussed ranged from the problems associated with addiction to the danger of predators on the Internet.
“Where do they learn it,” Surma asked the more than two dozen folks gathered. “From school, television and the Internet.”
Surma used a PowerPoint presentation for as the majority of her platform. One scene, to show the effects of mind-altering drugs like Ecstasy and LSD had the look of a party viewed in psychedelic pixilation.
Surma urged parents to be more proactive in their children’s lives. She asked parents to speak to their children about the dangers of drugs, sex, and the Internet.
“Drug-proof your kids,” urged Surma.
Kim Strubel, guidance counselor at West Branch High School and a member of the student assistance team, urged parents to come to them if they hear of problems not only with their own children, but other children as well.
“Our goal isn’t to get children in trouble, it’s to help them,” said Strubel.
Strubel said afterward that she had heard Surma speak three years ago and had contacted her about doing the presentation. Strubel was also pleased with the night’s turnout.
Surma also said she was pleased with the night’s turnout. She added that the good thing about presentations like Thursday’s is that word spreads from parent to parent, and that it helps when the school is active and involved as well.
“Times have changed,” said Surma, who added that to better combat the drug problem, people need to change their viewpoints.
