Parents360 aims to teach the parents of teens and tweens about why children use drugs and alcohol and what they can do to protect them. The program will offer parents tips on how to communicate and monitor activities, as well as how to spot drug/alcohol use and what to do when they find it.

In an effort to educate teens about the consequences of substance use, Youth360 was created. The program encourages teens to think about their behavior and that of their friends regarding alcohol and other drugs, and to consider the consequences of using such substances.

"Prevention is the goal of both programs," Todd Crum, public information representative of the Frederick County Health Department's substance abuse division, wrote in an e-mail. The programs "provide much important information and teach skills useful in preventing substance abuse."

Health officials will speak of the effects and treatment of drugs; police officers will discuss enforcement.

"It's a joint effort between the two of us," Lt. Steve Tuel said.

The programs were organized after the two agencies received positive feedback for the Meth360 educational program they started last year, he said.

That program was created to educate the public on methamphetamine and how to stop using it.

"Participants have been engaging, asking great questions, and providing useful feedback," Crum said. "The Meth360 program has provided the venue to engage local communities in discussions about drug addiction and its consequences."

While meth is not a huge problem in Frederick , the agencies decided to offer the program to educate the public on prevention, instead of having to deal with the problem through enforcement.

The Meth360 presentation has been done for a variety of groups including home owner associations and Neighborhood Advisory Councils. Tuel said the agencies will continue to offer the meth presentation along with the two others.

"I need people to call and ask for presentations," he said. "We will do it anywhere."

To schedule a presentation, call Tuel at 301-600-2715.

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