Get the facts about heroin, other drugs

A representative from the Nassau County District Attorney’s office will be the keynote speaker at a substance abuse prevention forum next week at Valley Stream South High School.

Teresa Corrigan, from the Street Narcotics and Gangs Bureau, will discuss the heroin epidemic in Nassau County. She will talk about other addictive drugs and the eventual progression to heroin use. Corrigan will also discuss warnings signs of heroin use as well as how to deal with the situation.

“For most parents, they could potentially be in denial when they hear the word heroin,” Corrigan said. “They are not aware of how heroin is being used today.”

As for teenagers, Corrigan said many hear about the glamours of the drug, yet are unaware of the detrimental effects it can have. She said heroin can be even more harmful to the body than cocaine.

District Attorney Kathleen Rice’s office hosts numerous programs in Nassau County schools including “Choices and Consequences,” which deals with drinking and driving, and “Not My Child” to address heroin use. “The district attorney’s big belief is education equals prevention,” Corrigan said.

Jill Vogel, director of guidance for the Valley Stream Central High School District, said this is the second annual substance abuse prevention forum. Last year, parents and students heard from several speakers, including a woman whose son was addicted to drugs. “Our turnout was not as great as we expected,” she said. “However, it was a wonderful beginning based on how powerful the information was.”

After Corrigan’s keynote address this year, there will be five break-out groups dealing with drug addiction, underage drinking, energy drinks, prescription drugs and marijuana. Each session, Vogel said, will last about 45 minutes

Several Valley Stream athletes will sign a commitment pledge to remain drug-free at the forum, which will be held on Thursday, March 18 at 7 p.m. in South High School’s cafeteria. A compilation of student literary and art work, “Uncovering Student Voices,” will also be presented.

The event was planned by a district-wide committee of administrators, Board of Education members, school social workers and parent group leaders.

“I think that substance use and abuse is a problem in every community,” Vogel said. “We’re hoping to educate, inform and provide resources where people can find help if necessary.”