State leaders gathered at the University of South Florida in Tampa to host the inaugural The Facts. Your Future. Youth Drug Prevention Summit for Parents, an event focused on providing parents and guardians with resources about the risks and effects of drug use among youth.
At the summit, law enforcement officials and health care partners discussed current drug trends in Florida and shared strategies for parents to communicate effectively with their children about substance use. The event is part of First Lady Casey DeSantis’ statewide initiative aimed at supporting youth drug prevention efforts.
“We have a responsibility to protect children from the dangers they encounter in our world every day,” said State Surgeon General Dr. Joseph Ladapo. “Thankfully, First Lady Casey DeSantis’ is passionate about supporting our kids, and The Facts. Your Future. is helping children achieve a safe and successful future across the state."
Attendees received information from state law enforcement agencies involved in intercepting dangerous drugs entering Florida, as well as tangible resources such as a parent toolkit designed to help guide conversations about drugs and alcohol. The toolkit includes details on recognizing signs of drug use and where to find assistance.
"I've been to the border and seen the drugs and crime that comes into our nation firsthand," said Florida Department of Law Enforcement Commissioner Mark Glass. "There is no question that some of these drugs are coming into Florida. Fentanyl killed approximately 2,700 people in Florida in the first six months of last year alone. First Lady Casey DeSantis is a champion for parents giving them the tools and information they need to make solid decisions for families."
“Keeping young people away from drugs and alcohol is critical, and parents are the best protectors our children have,” said Florida Department of Juvenile Justice Secretary Dr. Eric Hall. “By sharing this important information about substance abuse and its impacts as seen by health and law enforcement professionals, parents will be prepared to know the signs and have the right conversations with their children to keep them off a dangerous path.”
The Facts. Your Future. campaign aims to provide students throughout Florida with education on substance use prevention so they can maintain their health.
More information about available resources can be found at https://thefactsyourfuture.org/.
The Florida Department of Health works through state, county, and community efforts to promote public health across all communities in Florida.
For additional updates or details about programs from the department, visit http://www.floridahealth.gov/.