Hidden in Plain Sight presented at Seeley Theater

POMEROY––Hidden in Plain Sight, a program based out of the Tri-Cities, was presented to a group of Pomeroy parents at the Seeley Theater on September 28.

The program began with a walk-through of a typical teenage girl's bedroom, including bed, headboard, desk, bookshelf, laundry basket and waste basket, which was set up on the stage. Over 100 indicators of risky or problem behavior were hidden throughout the room, including logos, patterned shoes and clothes, cubby hole books with items hidden inside, and disguised drug paraphernalia.

After the walk-through, Certified Prevention Specialist Jennifer Dorsett of the Tri-Cities, gave a presentation discussing the drugs most commonly used by youth, including Pomeroy data from the Washington State Healthy Youth Survey, and outlining options parents can use to help their children avoid falling under the influence of drugs. Dorsett emphasized the importance of parental support and conversation, as well as the importance of involvement in community activities.

The common highlighter, used by students to put a bright green or orange highlight in textbooks, was one thing that could be employed to disguise an illicit pipe, Dorsett said. Some vaping dispensers look deceptively like computer USB devices. Some youth's clothing may have designs which have hidden meaning with a drug theme.

Dorsett demonstrated how a common sports drink bottle can be adapted, with a vaping accessory, to allow alcohol to be ingested as a vapor, which increases its effectiveness because it is taken in through the respiratory system, not the digestive system.

The program was sponsored by Garfield County Health District, Pomeroy Partners for Healthy Families, and Pomeroy Spinners. Childcare and pizza were provided at the Maple Hall.