The Healthy KP Substance Use Prevention Coalition recently launched a six-month billboard campaign encouraging parents to start conversations with their children about the dangers of drugs and alcohol. (Photo courtesy King Philip Regional School District)
NORFOLK — Superintendent Dr. Rich Drolet, the Healthy KP Steering Committee and Healthy KP Substance Use Prevention Coalition Coordinator Karen Becker are proud to announce the launch of a new billboard campaign to encourage parents to start conversations with their children about the dangers of drugs and alcohol.
The six-month campaign will feature a series of eye-catching billboards placed along Route 1 in both Plainville and Wrentham, each delivering messages aimed at parents, encouraging them to take action by initiating dialogue about substance use with their children.
These billboards emphasize the importance of open, honest, and ongoing discussions between parents and their children, reinforcing the vital role parents play in shaping their children’s decisions about substance use.
“Parents and guardians often underestimate just how much of an impact their words and actions can have on their children’s choices,” said Coalition Coordinator Karen Becker. “Sometimes, as a parent, it can be easy to think that you don’t have the same influence as your child’s friends or the media, but the truth is, parents are still the most important voice in their child’s life. We want to remind parents that they can make a real difference.”
In addition to the billboard campaign, the coalition has launched a newly designed website, healthykp.org, which provides parents with online resources, conversation starters, and practical strategies to help navigate discussions about drugs and alcohol.
These resources are designed to support parents in establishing a truly open dialogue — allowing children the chance to share freely and honestly — while also setting healthy expectations and boundaries.
“We know that kids who have clear expectations and supportive conversations with their parents are far more likely to make better decisions,” Becker said. “We want children in our community to feel safe to speak openly about these topics with their parents. This campaign is about helping parents to provide that space for their children to ask questions and get answers. We’re giving them the tools to have open, honest and ongoing conversations.”
Formed in 2018, Healthy KP is a community-based coalition of volunteers from the tri-town communities of Plainville, Norfolk, and Wrentham, working together to prevent and reduce youth substance use. In December 2020, the coalition was awarded a $625,000 Drug-Free Communities (DFC) grant to help prevent and reduce substance use among youths, relying on evidence-based strategies, local partnerships and community outreach.
“This billboard campaign is an important reminder to parents that their voices are important. Ongoing discussions with your adolescent children about substance use can help prevent harm,” said Superintendent Dr. Drolet. “I encourage parents to take advantage of the resources available through the Healthy KP website, healthykp.org. Healthy KP’s public outreach efforts are vital as we strive to foster a healthier, safer community for our youth. Through collaboration, education, and prevention efforts, Healthy KP is equipping families with the tools to navigate difficult conversations and make informed choices.”
For more information about the campaign, resources for parents, or to get involved with Healthy KP, visit healthykp.org or email info@healthykp.org.
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A new billboard along Route 1 in Plainville promotes Healthy KP’s campaign to help parents start important conversations with their children about substance use. (Photo courtesy King Philip Regional School District)
Healthy KP’s new billboard campaign, launched in collaboration with the Healthy KP Steering Committee, aims to equip parents with the tools to have open and honest conversations with their children. (Photo courtesy King Philip Regional School District)
The Healthy KP Substance Use Prevention Coalition recently launched a six-month billboard campaign encouraging parents to start conversations with their children about the dangers of drugs and alcohol. (Photo courtesy King Philip Regional School District)