What Should Parents Know About Teen Drug Abuse?

Parents can learn about new synthetic drugs, drug abuse and tips to fight abuse among youths during a session from 7 to 8:30 p.m. on Tuesday, Oct. 23, according to a news release.

The presentation will be held at the Learning Resource Center, 3550 Mills Civic Parkway.

Learn about:

• New Synthetic Drugs
• Prescriptions Drug Abuse
• Inhalant Abuse
• Other Unusual Trends
• Tips for Parents

Presenter Linda Kalin is the director of the Iowa Statewide Poison Control Center. She has over 25 years of experience in clinical toxicology and poison center activities, according to a news release.

Kalin began her career as an emergency room nurse and in 1989 became Iowa’s first certified specialist in poison information. She was instrumental in the development of the statewide poison control center established in 2000.

She is currently an adjunct faculty member and preceptor for the University of Iowa College of Pharmacy and Drake College of Pharmacy and was awarded Preceptor of the Year by both universities.

Kalin is a frequent lecturer and speaker on topics involving drugs of abuse and general poison management. Kalin was recently named one of 100 Great Iowa Nurses for 2012.

For more information, contact Shahna Janssen, director of West Des Moines Schools' Community Education, at (515) 633-5001.

This is an adult presentation and is not intended for a youth or teen audience, the organizers said in their news release.

The presentation is sponsored by the West Des Moines Substance Abuse Prevention Community Coalition and West Des Moines Community School District Community Education.