The problem of heroin use and addiction in the Chicago area has received national attention with a record multimillion-dollar seizure of heroin occurring just one year ago in Elgin.

Kane County has also been spotlighted in national news stories dealing with the issue of synthetic marijuana use. Law enforcement and medical professionals are also concerned about the increased illegal use of prescription drug by today's youth.

These drug topics are relatively new but no less important than talking to one's kids about the use of alcohol. Many parents do not understand the scope of the problem or how to talk to their kids about it.

Kane County Sheriff Pat Perez and Undersheriff David Wagner, along with Lea Minalga from Hearts of Hope �'' a parental support group based in Geneva �'' and other community members will be presenting the "Parents You Matter" education program. This program brings together a wide range of presenters from law enforcement, prevention and treatment professionals to educators and health care professionals, and is designed to help parents understand, prevent and address drug and alcohol issues.

This event will be held from 7 to 9 p.m. Monday at Christ Community Church at Randall and Bolcum roads, St. Charles. Parents do not need to RSVP in order to attend.

According to Perez, parents owe it to themselves and, more importantly, to their children to invest a few hours of their time to help educate themselves on this very real problem that is happening in neighborhoods all across Kane County.

The fact that there are so many educational events underscores just how important this topic is and the need for parents to become educated on the topic of heroin addiction. This event offers yet another opportunity for parents to invest in their child's future.