Forum Brings Victims of Drug Abuse Together

Those affected by drug abuse will gather together to discuss and educate about the epidemic.

Kane County’s Juvenile Drug Court will host the “Substance Abuse Prevention Forum 2012," starting at 7 p.m. April 11 in the , 1020 Dunham Road.

Parents who lost children to narcotics abuse, current and recovering drug addicts, police and others from the community will be on hand to answer questions and talk.

The forum is free for all to attend.

The speakers will include:

Karen Dobner of “To the Maximus Foundation"—Karen started this not for profit group to educate and inform others about the dangers of synthetic drugs, after her 19-year-old son smoked synthetic marijuana shortly before he drove his car at speeds over 100 mph, crashed into a house, and died.

Dr. Mann Spitler’s 20-year-old daughter Manda died after she injected herself with a lethal dose of heroin in the family home. Dr. Spitler started “Manda’s Story” in an attempt to prevent drug abuse and addiction.

Doug Petit founded “parents and Teens Together” after his 16-year-old son Jonathan died from drowning in a retention pond after attending a party and getting intoxicated. He has been talking to teens and parents about underage drinking since Jonathan’s death.

Elizabeth Johnson, Assistant State’s Attorney in Will County, will discuss her struggles with substance abuse before her decision to enroll in a Drug Court Program and how it changed her life.

Information provided by the St. Charles Police Department

Joe McMahon, Sheriff Pat Perez and treatment providers from Breaking Free, Gateway, and the Renz Center also will be there to help educate the public.