Who Should Register:
- We encourage middle and high schools to register. Registration should be done as a school, not individually. If an individual would like to register, they should reach out to their school.
- The program is designed for students in grades 7 through 12.
- There is no limit on the number of students who can attend.
- We encourage parents to attend as well, and recommend that schools bring at least (1) adult per (10) students.
- Given the sensitive content of the program, we recommend that your school nurse and counselor accompany your school delegation to the Summit.
Why attend?
The Massachusetts Youth Summit on Opioid Awareness will educate young people, educators and other adults about the growing opioid epidemic and encourage healthy decision-making. An essential ingredient to a solution is stopping the spread of addiction through a message of abstaining from experimentation – if less young people are experimenting with these highly addictive drugs, less will fall victim to this often-fatal disease of addiction. The program seeks to educate students, teachers, and parents about the dangers, warning signs, and effects of opioid abuse, and also connect them with resources to deal with opioid abuse. Most of all, the program aims to recognize and promote healthy choices and demonstrate the benefits of a healthy lifestyle.
Register your school today for The New Hampshire event!
Resources for more Information:
Register Your School Now!
Teachers, please register as a school to reserve your seats. There is no limit to the number of students and we encourage including school nurses and counselors as well as parents. Seats will be reserved on a first-come, first-served basis.
Important Information:
- The program is free of charge.
- There will be a Resource / Exhibition Area for students both before and after the program that includes organizations dealing with opioid addiction and recovery as well as youth organizations offering positive and constructive extracurricular activities.
- FOOD**: Outside food is not allowed in the Tsongas Arena. Concessions inside the arena will be open, and some schools have opted to bring bag lunches to eat on the bus.
- Summit Participant Permission forms for each student must be submitted to Kari Johnston at kjohnston@therendongroup.com no later than November 21, 2016.
Download the Participant Permission Form [pdf]
Know the Signs
Signs of opioid abuse or misuse may include:
- Abrupt changes in their finances
- Dramatic mood changes
- Lower grades, changes in friends, or changes in sleep or appetite
- Loss of concern about appearance
- Physical signs such as fatigue, confusion, weight loss, slurred speech, dizziness and changes in pupil size
Massachusetts Department of Public Health, Tips for Protecting Your Kids Against Addiction
