This event is part of the Drug Enforcement Administration’s 360 Strategy, a three-pronged approach to battle the heroin and opioid epidemic through enforcement efforts, diversion control and community outreach. In 2016, more than 2,200 New Jerseyans died of drug overdose, and none of the state’s 21 counties was spared from this devastating epidemic. Southern New Jersey was designated as a subject for the program earlier this year, and the summit is an important aspect in the community outreach effort.

Fourth through eighth grade students and parents from Mercer, Ocean, Burlington, Camden, Gloucester, Atlantic, Salem, Cumberland, and Cape May counties are invited to this conference.

Students in grades 4 and 5 will learn about setting goals and youth leadership, while 6^th through 8^th graders will learn about addiction, dangers of vaping and making changes in their communities.  Parents will learn about social media hiding apps, helping their kids make healthier choices and how and where teens might hide drugs in their rooms in a Hidden in Plain Sight presentation. 

Students also will get to enjoy the company of several special guests, including Marvel’s Captain America, as well as a performance by a 2017 winner of PDFNJ’s New Jersey Shout Down Drugs competition. Families in attendance will have the opportunity to purchase a weekend pass to Morey’s Pier at half price.

If you are a South Jersey resident, don’t miss this event. Not only will it provide vital information on how to protect your family from substance use, it also offers a great opportunity to spend quality time as a family.

For more information and to register, visit www.WakeUp-SouthJersey.com.