Know the Truth Announces 2018 Community Education Events in Anoka and Pope Counties

Series Addressing Teen Substance Use Begins January 9 in Anoka County

MINNEAPOLIS —  January 5, 2017  This year, Know the Truth (KTT), the substance use prevention program of Minnesota Adult and Teen Challenge, will again host a series of community education events to teach parents about teen substance use and bring a message of prevention to Minnesota’s youth. Since 2014, Know the Truth has been integral in working with communities throughout the state, connecting law enforcement, schools, local representatives and families to move the conversation around teen substance use forward. During the start of 2018, Know the Truth will bring their prevention message to Anoka and Pope Counties. 2018 Community Forum Dates:

In collaboration with Anoka County’s Chemical Health and Heroin Committee and the AnokaHennepin School District, Know the Truth will facilitate youth discussions at the upcoming Top Secret Project Events hosted in Anoka County.

The Top Secret Project, developed by the Hazelden Betty Ford Foundation, is a unique traveling exhibit designed to help parents recognize unfamiliar hazards hiding in plain sight. Using a simulated teenager’s bedroom, the interactive exhibit includes hundreds of items that, when seen through an uneducated lens, could be a sign that a teen has a problem with substance use.

The interactive exhibit is accompanied by a presentation and discussion with Hazelden Betty Ford Foundation staff.

While parents are being educated about current substance trends, their children will attend a presentation facilitated by Know the Truth, designed to help prevent youth substance use.

“We will share our personal struggles with substance use, stripping away any glamor and myths associated with substances,” says Vanessa Koebnick, program manager of Know the Truth. “We believe that if we can change a student’s attitude about drugs and alcohol, we can then in turn change their behavior. “

In addition to the Top Secret Project events, Know the Truth will also host “A Night to Know the Truth” in Pope County. The event features an interactive exhibit called “Cracking the Code on Teen Substance Use,” which includes a virtual “visit” with a person serving time for substance use and an interactive tour of common hiding spots in a young person’s bedroom. Parents can learn what signs of substance use to look for in teenagers’ bedrooms, discover how to safeguard the family medicine cabinets, and hear success stories from people who are in recovery.

Cassie Roman
Pineapple RM
cassie@pineapplerm.com
262.510.5624