Mental Health America of West Central Indiana invites all fairgoers and concerned community members to an eye-opening exhibit .
Purdue Extension Putnam County is proud to partner in bringing a very important visual tool to help combat substance abuse to our community.
Substance abuse rises to the top in nearly every local need assessment survey. The following article is from Rachele Love, Tobacco Prevention Cessation Coordinator who will be staffing the trailer. It is also important to note that no youth will be allowed to enter the trailer. Come see us at the fair and make sure you come on one of the two days of this special attraction!
Mental Health America of West Central Indiana invites all fairgoers and concerned community members to an eye-opening exhibit at the Putnam County Fair. The "Hidden in Plain Sight" trailer highlights how the tobacco industry targets young people and demonstrates how vapes, marijuana, alcohol, and edibles can be covertly hidden and marketed as common candy and snacks.
The "Hidden in Plain Sight" trailer, housed at the Putnam County Fairgrounds during the fair from 1-9 pm on Wednesday/Thursday, July 24 to July 25, immerses visitors in a recreated youth bedroom. The phrase "hidden in plain sight" suggests that young people are finding creative and often subtle ways to conceal drugs, alcohol, or other substances in locations or objects that are seemingly innocuous or common. From vape pens cleverly disguised as everyday items to edibles that mimic popular candies, the trailer unveils the alarming tactics employed to entice and endanger our young people.
According to the 2022 Indiana Youth Tobacco Survey, among youth currently using tobacco, the majority are using flavored tobacco products. Flavors increase the appeal of tobacco products to youth, promote youth initiation, and can contribute to lifelong tobacco use.
"This exhibition is a critical opportunity for our community to confront the realities of youth substance concealment," said Rachele Love, Tobacco Cessation Coordinator, Mental Health America of West Central Indiana. "By educating on these practices, we aim to empower parents, educators, and policymakers with the knowledge needed to protect our youth."
The Putnam County Fair provides a unique platform to engage with the "Hidden in Plain Sight" trailer, learn about the dangers of youth substance concealment, and explore resources for prevention and intervention. Join us in raising awareness and fostering meaningful dialogue about this pressing issue.
Mental Health America of West Central Indiana Inc. is a non-profit organization that is dedicated to enhancing the mental health of the community and improving the quality of life of persons with mental illness through prevention, advocacy, education, and services. For more information on the agency, please contact Rachele Love, Tobacco Prevention Cessation Coordinator at rlove@mhawci.org or (812 )232-5681 ext.107 by phone.
Visit our Purdue Extension Putnam County homepage at www.extension.purdue.edu/putnam or you can contact the local office by calling 765.653.8411 for more information regarding this week’s column topic or to RSVP for upcoming events. Office hours are Monday thru Friday from 8:00 am-12:00 pm and 1:00 pm-4:00 pm. Evening and lunch appointments are available, upon request. It is always best to call first to assure items are ready when you arrive and to RSVP for programs. While many publications are free, some do have a fee. All times listed are Eastern Time. Purdue University is an equal access/equal opportunity/affirmative action institution.
Upcoming Events
July 19-26 – Putnam County Fair
Aug. 19 – Last day to apply for Master Gardener Course, contact 765-653-8411 to apply
Aug. 22 – Master Gardener Course starts
