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Katz, who is also the author of "Sunny’s Story," will present “From Marijuana to Opiates,” on May 19 at Briggs High School in Norwalk and “The Courage to Make Healthy Decisions,” on May 20 at Brookside Elementary in Norwalk. The talks are based on her book, which is about her son Ian's struggles narrated from the perspective of the family beagle.
The presentations are open only to students and faculty.
The Courage to Speak Foundation is one of many organizations around the country that encourages people to make a difference in their communities and lives as part of the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration's third annual National Prevention Week 2014.
National Prevention Week is a nationwide health observance dedicated to increasing public awareness of, and action around, substance abuse and mental health issues. NPW works to emphasize how prevention education can be woven into all aspects of our lives- including where and how we live, learn, work, and play — and that everyone has a role in creating a healthier nation.
Katz and her husband, Larry, founded The Courage to Speak Foundation after their son, Ian Eaccarino, died of a heroin overdose. Their foundation is a nonprofit organization based in Norwalk whose mission is "to save lives by empowering youth to be drug free and encouraging parents to communicate effectively with their children about the dangers of drugs,” in an effort to prevent other families from enduring the pain of losing a loved one to drug addiction.
For more information about The Courage to Speak Foundation or the school presentations, contact Virginia “Ginger” Katz at 203-247-3975, by email at gkatz@couragetospeak.org or visit www.couragetospeak.org.
For additional information regarding The National Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration visit www.samhsa.gov/ and for information on National Prevention Week 2014, visit beta.samhsa.gov/prevention-week.
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