Exhibition at fair to expose substance concealment tactics

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 p.m. on Wednesday and 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,” Tobacco Cessation Coordinator Rachele Love said. “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 is a nonprofit 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, contact Love at rlove@mhawci.org or 812-232-5681, ext. 107, by phone.

Visit www.extension.purdue.edu/putnam or contact the local office at 653-8411 for more information regarding this week’s column topic or to RSVP for upcoming events. Office hours are Monday through Friday from 8 a.m.-noon and 1-4 p.m. 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.

Upcoming Events

July 19-26 – Putnam County Fair

Aug. 19 – Last day to apply for Master Gardener course, contact 653-8411 to apply

Aug. 22 – Master Gardener course starts