Lawrence Township parents got a lesson in teen substance abuse Wednesday night by a group of people who said the parent component in the fight is too often forgotten.
The free event was sponsored by Drug Free Marion County, and it featured two sets of parents who talked about the loss of their children.
"I think parents have been a missing component in the prevention of substance abuse, and part of that is parents in some ways take themselves out of the equation because they think their kids don't listen to them," said Kim Manlove, who lost his son, David, in 2001.
David Manlove was a Lawrence Central Junior. He struggled with alcohol and marijuana, and he died from huffing pressurized gas from a can of computer dusting spray.
Kim is one of several people who are now sending a message of goodbye to the days of simply telling teens, 'don't do drugs.'
"Parents won't know if they're not given the resources to know," said Tammorra Golder, a Lawrence Township School Official.
Manlove, who started The 24 Group several years ago after his sons death, shared his hurtful story to a roomful of parents Wednesday night.
Marion County Judge Bill Nelson also spoke about his loss. His 19-year-old son, who was a straight A student, lost his battle to prescription drugs. He died on his mother's birthday after overdosing on a combination of prescription pills.
"The scream that pierced that night two years and 306 days ago, I hear every morning since then," said Nelson.
"The intention is not to scare parents per se. This is the exception, not the rule, but the reality is alcohol and drug use can be deadly," said Randy Miller, Executive Director for Drug Free Marion County.
Miller said it was their first opportunity to do a series of seminars with a school district focused on moms and dads.
"Through telling David's story, we know we've touched hundreds of thousands of lives, and David has made a difference in other peoples lives, but I'd give it all up if I could have him back," said Manlove.
Manlove and his wife changed careers after their son's death. He now works at the Fairbanks Treatment Center as does Nelson's wife.
Dates have not yet been set for the additional events in Lawrence County.
