OHS to host drug forum for parents

Oceanside High School, 3160 Skillman Avenue, will host an informational drug awareness forum for parents at 7:30 p.m. on Jan. 19. The event, "Heroin on Long Island: Face the Facts," will feature three presentations: "Natalie's Story," "Drug Use and the Effect on Brain Development of Teens," and "The First-Hand Effects of Drug Use." The forum is designed to make parents aware of the drug trends on Long Island and what they can do to make sure their children are safe. Local groups that provide additional outreach and drug prevention and rehabilitation services, like the Long Island Crisis Center and the Oceanside Counseling Center, will also be on hand to answer any additional questions parents may have following the forum.

Forum speakers include Victor and Doreen Ciappa, who will share the story of their daughter, Natalie. Natalie, an honor student and cheerleader at Plainedge High School, died as a result of a heroin overdose in 2008. "The message I try to get across is that your perfect kid can make the mistake of their lives," Victor said. "If you think your kid would never get involved [in drugs], you should come." The Ciappas have spoken at events throughout Long Island about Natalie and their experience. Victor said this is the first time they are participating in a forum of this kind in Nassau County.

The panel also includes Dr. Stephen Dewey, a medical researcher with the Feinstein Institute of Medical Research at North Shore-LIJ. Dewey will give a presentation on how drug use effects brain development, particularly in young people. Dewey has studied the issue for more than two decades, and has presented his findings to various audiences, including schools across the state.