Matt Lichtenstein

PETERSBURG-AK (2010-02-05) A new substance abuse prevention effort is underway in Petersburg. The Harmful Legal Products (HLP) program is part of a statewide research and intervention project. It’s specifically aimed at preventing kids from trying to get high by using common but dangerous products. Huffing toxic fuels or solvents is one of the more prominent examples. Researchers say there are hundreds of other household items that can be a problem from cleansers to medicines.
The pilot project is somewhat unique in that it’s focused on increasing awareness among parents, retailers, educators and other adults.
The statewide prevention and treatment organization Akeela Inc. and the Pacific Institute for Research and Evaluation are running the program which includes towns across the state. Locally, they’ve contracted with Petersburg Mental Health Services to run the prevention effort. Matt Lichtenstein recently asked Mental Health Clinician Marci Kligmann about it: