Parenting Forum Aims to Help Prevent Drug Abuse

Baton Rouge, LA - October 2, 2024 - In a critical effort to help parents recognize the early signs of risk and drug use in their children, Victoria's Voice, in partnership with Mayor-President Sharon Weston Broome and Louisiana Blue, is hosting the Save Our Kids | VITAL SIGNS Family Forum. This free community event will be held on Wednesday, October 16, 2024, from 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. at Louisiana Blue, 5525 Reitz Avenue, Baton Rouge.

Presented by Victoria's Voice, this event aims to equip area parents, families, and local leaders with essential knowledge to combat the growing threat of substance misuse among youth. With expert panel discussions and personal testimonies, the forum will shed light on recognizing the warning signs and taking proactive steps to ensure the safety and well-being of our children.

NFL Champion and former New Orleans Saints defensive end Fred Stokes will serve as the event's emcee and host, guiding the conversation with a distinguished panel of leaders and advocates, including:

• Mayor-President Sharon Weston Broome, City of Baton Rouge & East Baton Rouge Parish
• Thomas S. Morse Jr., Baton Rouge Chief of Police
• William "Beau" Clark, MD, Coroner, East Baton Rouge Parish
• Marilyn McCulley, a mother who lost her child to a drug overdose
• Kandyce Cowart, Manager, Special Investigations, Louisiana Blue

This essential forum will provide an opportunity for community members to hear from those directly involved in addressing drug misuse and prevention and offer a space for families to learn how to recognize the early warning signs that could save a life.

Mayor-President Sharon Weston Broome said, "This partnership with Victoria's Voice and Louisiana Blue is a powerful opportunity for families to gain the knowledge they need to protect their children. We are committed to ensuring every parent has the resources necessary to recognize the early signs of danger and act before it's too late."

Doors will open at 6:00 p.m., and the program will start promptly at 6:30 p.m. The event is free and open to the public, but registration is required. Please visit Save Our Kids Vital Signs Baton Rouge to register.