Pottsgrove Focuses on Drug and Alcohol Prevention During April Awareness Week

Mercury Photo by Kevin Hoffman

Last year, police conducted a surprise drug sweep at 

Pottsgrove High School but found no drugs.

In its inaugural year, the Pottgrove School District Drug and Alcohol Prevention Team has scheduled several activities in the coming week.

Formerly called a taskforce, the team is comprised of PGSD staff, community agencies, parents and school board board members whose focus is to provide education to students, parents and community in hopes of preventing drug abuse. 

The team also provides support and direction to students and families dealing with drug abuse or addiction. 

"Although we are a suburban community, we are far from immune to the epidemic of teen drug abuse including alcohol," according to a statement released from the district. 

To help drive that message home and spur discussions about prevention and recovery, the team has planned April Awareness Week, from Tuesday, April 22 to Tuesday, April 29. 

This week, which builds on programs already in place at the Pottsgrove High School through the SNAP Academy, will focus on student, parent and community education surrounding drug and alcohol use in our local area and its often devastating consequences.

-- On Tuesday, April 22 the Community Driving Safety Fair will be held from 5 to 8 p.m. at Pottsgrove High School. 

The mock car accident is meant to show the potential 

consequences of impaired driving during prom week and other times.

This event, brought to the community through the SNAP Academy and the school PTA, is a replication of the activities that will be shared with high school students during the day to promote safe driving at the prom.

Community members are invited out to learn about the effects of impaired driving through hands on simulations including opportunities to try the Safety Bug! 

The activities are free and members of the Drug and Alcohol Prevention Team will be there to answer questions about Pottsgrove’s promotion of a healthy community.

In cooperation with the Lower Pottsgrove Police Department and the HS SNAP Academy, a mock car accident will be presented to students during the week to show the actual potential consequences of impaired driving. 

This powerful simulation will be yet another reminder to students to make positive and safe choices as they attend the prom and summer festivities.

April Awareness Week also happens to correspond with the Drug Enforcement Agencies National

This week is also the DEA's National Take-Back Initiative

Take Back Initiative for spring. 

-- This program, running on Saturday, April 26 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.,  encourages citizens to bring in old or unused prescription drugs for safe disposal. For a site near you, please click here.

On Tuesday, April 29, a Community Connection on Drug Use in Montgomery County will be held at 7 p.m. at the Pottsgrove High School. 

This event, presented by Assistant District Attorney Kelly Lloyd and Detective Holtzman from the Montgomery County District Attorney’s office, will discuss current drug usage trends in the area, educate parents on current lingo and drug paraphernalia and offer guidance for parents who are concerned about drug use in the community. 

Parents of students in grades K-5 are encouraged to bring their students for a fun evening of team and self-esteem building activities run by middle school and high school student leaders and staff, so that parents can attend the informational session. 

Community agencies and school staff will be available with resources about drug and alcohol prevention and support for recovery. 

Lower Pottsgrove Police Chief Michael Foltz speaks to the 

media at Pottsgrove High School.

Lower Pottsgrove Police will be in attendance to promote their local prescription drug take back program available 24/7 at the police station.

“We fully support the efforts of the Pottsgrove School District as it works to address drug and alcohol issues," said Lower Pottosgrove Police Chief Michael Foltz 

"We are glad to partner with the district, community agencies, and Risa Ferman of the Montgomery County District Attorney’s office to coordinate education and prevention programs and services for the good of the community at large," Foltz said. 

"The influx of heroin into the local area is of significant concern for us," said Foltz. "Although it is not epidemic at this point, particularly in the schools, we all have to increase our diligence and awareness of this increased threat to community well-being. Working together is key to prevention.”