Monmouth County professionals and citizens involved with the February 20 forum “Time to Talk…Time to Act” include (left to right): Jennifer McCarron, RFH intern; Suzanne Fico, RFH Student Assistance Coordinator (SAC); Jacqueline O’Hara, Nurse Practitioner Intern; Lori Todd, RBR SAC; Kathleen Booth, Red Bank Catholic SAC;  Ben Day, RFH Community Alliance; Enza Massa, RFH Social Worker; Virginia Carreira, Nurse Practitioner, Long Branch High School; Donna DeStefano, RFH Community Alliance; Nikki Barreca, Shrewsbury Community Alliance.

Over the past six months, the Monmouth County Prosecutor’s office has been sounding the alarm on the insidious heroin epidemic that is addicting and killing our young people, regardless of the community in which they live. As a follow-up to that awareness campaign, area school districts and drug alliance organizations are sponsoring an adult forum “Time to Talk…Time to Act” at Red Bank Regional High School on Thursday, February 20. The 6:30 pm program will take place inside the RBR auditorium .

All parents and adults are encouraged to attend the two-hour presentation, during which information on heroin addiction will be presented by medical professionals. Additionally, the personal stories of young people in recovery and the parents of people whose lives have been impacted by this highly addictive and deadly drug will be featured.  A panel of professionals will then inform the public on the resources and treatment options available to help prevent addiction, identify it and promote recovery. A Q&A session will follow the presentations.

This event is jointly sponsored by the School Districts of Fair Haven, Little Silver, Red Bank, Red Bank Catholic, Red Bank Regional, Rumson, Rumson-Fair Haven Regional, and Shrewsbury, as well as the Rumson-Fair Haven Community Alliance and the Shrewsbury Community Alliance.