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Upcoming Free Training in Decorah: How to Talk with Youth about Drugs

By Colinne McCann, Iowa Department of Public Health Youth Mentoring AmeriCorps Member | 

It’s a hard truth: our youth are using alcohol, tobacco, and other drugs. But talking with youth about these deadly temptations can help them choose to be substance-free. Yes, those talks can be challenging, but we need to let youth know we care!

Youth Mentoring at Helping Services is providing a free training to prepare you for those important conversations. Join them on May 24, from 6:30 to 8:00 p.m., at First Lutheran Church in their Fireside Room at 804 W. Broadway Street, Decorah.

The training’s presenters are experts in the field of youth and substance abuse prevention: Colinne McCann, Iowa Department of Public Health AmeriCorps member; Jen Kimber, Community Prevention Specialist, Helping Services; and Captain Scott Herrmann, Decorah Police Department.

Come to this imperative training, and leave equipped with confidence and skills to better discuss drug use with youth. You will learn:

  • What to say
  • What words to use or not use
  • How to identify and seize an opportunity to talk
  • Where to get facts and information to which that youth will relate.

With this knowledge you can influence youth to chose to not use alcohol, tobacco, and other drugs.

Light refreshments will be provided.  Please RSVP to Colinne at 563-387-1720 or cmccann@helpingservices.org.

Mentors in Youth Mentoring at Helping Services spend 4-5 hours per month with their youth doing activities such as working on a car, fishing, hiking, bike riding, or going to a movie. Matches are made based on the similar interests of the youth and the adult friend. Youth in the program do not have to meet any special criteria other than to live in or attend school in the counties Youth Mentoring serves: Allamakee, Delaware, Howard, and Winneshiek. To become involved in this exciting opportunity, contact Kathy Schwartzhoff or Colinne McCann at 563-387-1720.  

For over 40 years, Helping Services for Northeast Iowa has been promoting the health and well-being of children and adults. We work to end domestic violence and child abuse; build healthy families, friendships, and relationships; and educate and empower people to stop the future misuse and illegal use of alcohol, tobacco, and other drugs.  Staff provide presentations, research-based programs, trainings, and advocacy to work with community members in creating safe, nurturing, and healthy environments.

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