MN parents tackle rising problem of substance abuse in suburban schools

CHAMPLIN, Minn. (KMSP) - Two town hall meetings in the metro area Tuesday night aim to help parents tackle the growing issue of drug abuse in suburban schools.

The organization, Our Young Addicts, has organized three town halls for parents in the Anoka-Hennepin School District.  The purpose of the town halls is to help parents learn more about substance abuse among young adults and connect them with useful resources.

Our Young Addicts was formed by parents who are concerned that too many young people are becoming addicted to drugs and alcohol.

"We are taught if you do all the right things, you have family dinners together, you put them in sports and attend their events [and] have open conversations that you might be immune from this," Rose McKinney, a parent whose son was addicted to heroin, said. 

The first town hall is Tuesday at 7 p.m. at Champlin Park High School. The other two will be held on March 3 and April 12.

The Osseo School District and the Hennepin County Sheriff’s Office are also hosting a similar town hall Tuesday at 6:30 p.m. at the Cross Winds United Methodist Church in Maple Grove.