What is Hidden in Plain Sight?

Our Hidden in Plain Sight (HIPS) Backpacks are a tool used to train staff and parents on youth substance use trends in Iowa; in the backpack are examples of products that can easily be missed by an untrained eye. Through this training, you will learn what products look like, signs of substance use, and how to start a conversation with your youth.

Why is Hidden in Plain Sight Important?

Now more than ever it is important to stay educated on the ever-changing substances that are marketed to our youth every day. Not only is it important to know what the products look like but how to talk to youth about expectations and the dangers of substance use.

Why Backpacks?

Some prevention coalitions can set up large mock teen bedroom scenes, but not everyone has that resource. The backpack is a new educational tool for parents that is easily portable for people working on substance use prevention to bring to community events.  Along with the backpack we will have a training video, an information guide, conversation starters, a signs and symptoms handout for parents and educators downloadable on this website.  Be looking for more information coming to this site soon.