Sam’s Watch announces life-saving Substance Awareness Family Education event as teens head off for summer break

Parents and teens can learn how to ensure they have a safe summer at a substance-awareness panel May 20 in Johnson County. 

“Students will be looking for ways to kick back and relax on summer break, and we want to be sure they don’t think drugs are the way to do that,” said Jeanine Motsay, president of Sam’s Watch and the panel’s facilitator. “They need information to make wise decisions and this forum will make them and their parents aware of current drug dangers.”

The panel discussion will include Indiana Sen. Jim Merritt; Kristi Dunigan, a member of the Indiana Attorney General Prescription Drug Task Force; Johnson County Sheriff Doug Cox; Michelle McMahon of Johnson County Communities that Care; Jamie Vickery, state coordinator of Indiana Students Against Destructive Decisions; Dr. Dick Huber, a substance abuse educator; Franklin Community Schools Athletic Director John Regas; and David Plew, a local parent advocate.  

The event is open to the public and will be held 7 - 8:15 p.m. at Franklin Community High School, 2600 Cumberland Road, Franklin. Attendees should enter through door 55 and go to the Large Instruction Room. Information will be available from the Indiana Attorney General’s Office, Indiana SADD, Johnson Memorial Hospital, Tobacco Free Johnson County, Make Good Decisions, Overdose-Lifeline, Partnership for a Healthier Johnson County, Sam’s Watch, Tara Treatment Center and more.

Sam’s Watch is a nonprofit dedicated to teaching young people about the dangers of synthetic drugs. It was formed after Sam Motsay, a 16-year-old honors student-athlete, died on Mothers’ Day 2014 after he used a little-known synthetic drug, 25i-NBOMe. For free access to student-produced awareness videos and more information, go to samswatch.org.