District to host Tackling Youth Substance Use virtual engagement event

Published on Apr 05, 2023
Let's Be Honest

Bloomington Public Schools and BEC-TV are teaming up to co-host a live virtual community engagement event to present its substance use prevention program efforts.

The Let’s Be Honest: Tackling Youth Substance Use event is scheduled from 7-8:30 p.m. on Tuesday, April 18. The live virtual event will be carried on BEC-TV, and available for streaming at bectv.org.

Presenters will include district and school mental and chemical health leaders, licensed addiction specialists, and Tabbatha Urbanski, a parent who lost her 17-year-old son to an accidental overdose last fall. The event will also feature the powerfully moving Let’s Be Honest video. 

The event follows the popular virtual program format introduced during the pandemic that made it convenient for a larger turnout of parents and community members to tune into the program. Viewers will again have a chance to submit questions prior to and during the event.

Submit a question here

“Youth substance use continues to be a critical public health concern across the state,” said Superintendent Dr. Eric Melbye. “Addressing substance use early in life is critical to reducing the risks to youth and families, and can help reverse the current opioid overdose epidemic.”

“The intent of this first of several events is part of our Substance Use and Early Intervention Plan to raise awareness and engage families and caregivers about the importance of prevention, understanding, resources and treatment services, and empower youth to make educated, healthy choices to ultimately reduce adolescent alcohol and substance use.”