News Summary
A community discussion addressing early signs of youth substance misuse will take place at Central Church in Henderson. Hosted by Victoria’s Voice Foundation, the event will feature a panel of experts discussing vital indicators of substance risks among youth. The event aims to inform parents and local leaders, emphasizing the need for community engagement. Registration is required, and attendees will receive complimentary dinner and refreshments. The initiative highlights collaborative efforts to tackle rising substance misuse among young people in Nevada.
Henderson, NV – A community discussion addressing early signs of youth substance misuse is scheduled for Wednesday, August 27, 2025, at the Central Church in Henderson. Hosted by Victoria’s Voice Foundation, the event aims to inform parents, caregivers, and local leaders about the critical indicators of risk associated with substance use among youth.
The discussion will be facilitated by Mike Diamond, a celebrity interventionist and the Director of Engagement and Intervention Services at Desert Hope. The program is set to commence at 6:30 PM, with doors opening an hour earlier at 6:00 PM. Attendees can expect complimentary dinner and refreshments during the event, which is free and accessible to the public; however, prior registration is required to attend.
A panel of esteemed speakers will contribute to the discussion, including Captain Michelle Tavarez from the Las Vegas Metropolitan Police Department, Councilwoman Victoria Seaman from Las Vegas’s Ward 2, Amber Stidham, Southern Nevada Director for Governor Lombardo’s Office, Roni Lowery, a mother affected by a child’s overdose, and Dr. Westbrook Kaplan, Medical Director at Desert Hope. Each panelist brings unique insights and experiences surrounding the issue of substance misuse in young people.
This initiative is part of a collaborative effort involving various organizations, such as Hope for the City, the DEA Educational Foundation, American Addiction Centers, and Desert Hope Treatment Center. The partnership underscores the urgency of addressing substance use disorders among Nevada youth, with recent data indicating that over 10,000 young individuals in the state are estimated to qualify for illicit drug use disorder, according to the U.S. Health and Human Services.
Among the legislative efforts aimed at reducing youth substance misuse, the Nevada Youth Legislature, represented by Kyle Allen, has proposed Senate Bill 254. This bill seeks to enhance communication between schools and parents by mandating that schools notify parents when students show signs of substance use. Additionally, it would require schools to report any instances of child abuse or neglect to authorities, creating a more proactive framework for addressing these issues.
In response to the growing concern surrounding substance misuse and its impact on youth, the Substance Use Response Working Group (SURG) has recommended a significant increase in funding dedicated to drug abuse prevention and treatment in Nevada, proposing an increase to $24 million. This funding aims to support community programs, educational initiatives, and treatment resources for those struggling with addiction.
The Attorney General of Nevada, Aaron D. Ford, has expressed the necessity of implementing measures to curb the opioid epidemic and strengthen youth substance abuse prevention efforts. The call to action emphasizes the collective responsibility of the community, local leaders, and families to work together in combating the rising tide of substance use among young people.
The community discussion at Central Church is an opportunity for parents, caregivers, and local leaders to connect, learn, and engage in meaningful dialogue about protecting youth in Henderson from the risks of substance misuse. With an emphasis on awareness and intervention, the event aims to foster a collaborative environment that prioritizes the health and safety of Nevada’s future generation.
For those interested in attending, registration information will be available through the organizing bodies, ensuring that members of the community can take part in this vital discussion.
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Additional Resources
- Nevada Appeal: Carson High Junior Provides Update on Youth Legislature Bill
- KTNV: Las Vegas Restaurant Education Institution Providing Youth Workforce Training
- Review Journal: Las Vegas Restaurant Helps At-Risk Youth Gain Skills for Success
- 8 News Now: Prevention Tops Nevada Groups Recommendations to Stop Drug Abuse
- The Nevada Independent: UNLV Federal Grant Losses Mount to $16M Jeopardizing Critical Public Health Research
- Wikipedia: Substance Use Disorder
- Google Search: Youth Substance Abuse
- Google Scholar: Drug Abuse Prevention
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Substance Use Disorder
- Google News: Youth Substance Misuse
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LAS VEGAS STAFF WRITER The LAS VEGAS STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HERELasVegas.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Las Vegas, Clark County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as Electric Daisy Carnival, World Series of Poker, and Consumer Electronics Show. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Las Vegas Chamber of Commerce and Three Square Food Bank, plus leading businesses in hospitality and entertainment that power the local economy such as MGM Resorts International, Caesars Entertainment, and Las Vegas Sands. As part of the broader HERE network, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Nevada's dynamic landscape.
