August Phillips County Prevention News

The beginning of August kept Phillips County Prevention Specialist, Gina Lamb busy as she traveled our great state from Malta to Fairmont for the two-day Prevention Academy and back again in time to set up an information booth at the Phillips County Fair for two days.

PC Prevention partnered with Malta Kids Club, Phillips County Coalition for Healthy Choices, and Family Connections during their Back 2 School BBQ, celebrating the end of Summer Club and the beginning of a new School Year! "Family Connections" sling bags for parents were filled with Parenting MT rack cards, childcare scholarship info, and MT Quitline info. Each youth received their own sling bag.

Prior to the BBQ, Malta Kids Club & Family Connections staff were presented with the Hidden in Plain Sight room. They were in awe of several "hiding" places and guessed a few.

Goody bags filled with an "Emergency Treat Pack", Parenting MT emotions chart magnet, PMT 5-Step Process magnet, and PS information were given to the teachers and paraprofessionals for the first day of school as a thank you for all the hard work they have put in to prepare for this day, and to promote Prevention in the school.

The HIPS room sparked conversation with parents who entered during the Malta Middle/High School Open House. Phillips County Undersheriff Robinson and Deputy Mathews were on hand to assist in answering questions parents may have had. Sixteen adults played Eye Spy pointing out the items they thought may be used to conceal a substance and were shocked at several others. It was a great experience and conversation starter!

Following is what some participants had to say about the HIPS room:

"This was very educational, eye-opening, and just plain crazy to see. I appreciate you and the deputies taking the time to show and explain all of the ways things can be hidden. If you are a parent, guardian, or teacher I highly recommend you see the Hidden in Plain Sight Room if you get a chance."

- Shannon Oxarart

"My husband and I went into the 'Hidden in Plain Sight Room' during open house. We had open minds and thought we knew most of what we were going to see, just from being a younger couple!

To say we were shocked is an understatement. We left with WAY more knowledge than when we walked in! Times are changing, and that is scary. But the things the kids have access to now, on top of what they [are] able to access to conceal and hide those things from us parents & guardians are even more terrifying.

I urge everyone even those who "think" they know to go and check this out! The more education the better. Stay in the know!" -Anonymous

"We appreciate you so much for having the room. I loved getting to see the actual items and how they look and work. There were items I never would have thought to be concerned about. Very informative and a must-see for all parents and teachers!"

- Anonymous

"The Hidden in Plain Sight Room was very informative and eye-opening. Thank you so much for educating and sharing your knowledge with our county to keep our kids safe!"

- Steve and Leslie Anderson

The Hidden in Plain Sight room will be in Phillips County until September 8th. If you, your school staff, adult group or organization is interested in going through it, please reach out to PS Gina Lamb to schedule a place, day, and time. This presentation is for ADULTS ONLY. Stay tuned for an Open House TBA!

Email: [email protected] Phone: 406-654-7403.