The Pledge for Life Partnership is making great strides in raising awareness about youth substance use through our innovative "Hidden in Plain Sight" (HIPS) trailer project. This initiative, made possible by contributions from the Kankakee County State’s Attorney’s Office, Coroner’s Office, Sheriff’s Department, Riverside Health Care, Health Department, I-KAN Regional Office of Education, and the City of Kankakee, centers around an extraordinary trailer built by students from the Kankakee Area Career Center (KACC).
Since its debut, the HIPS trailer has become a vital tool for educating parents, caregivers, and educators about subtle warning signs of teen substance use. Over the past few months, it has been showcased at over 25 events, including health fairs and school conferences, reaching hundreds of community members.
The trailer simulates a teenager’s bedroom, where everyday objects—like a soda can, hairbrush, or book—can serve as hiding places for drugs or paraphernalia. Visitors are encouraged to explore the room and discover how easy it can be to overlook these signs, even in their own homes. Many attendees leave the tour with a new perspective on the risks teens face.
The goal of the HIPS trailer is to empower families with the knowledge they need to prevent substance misuse. Each event also includes volunteers who facilitate discussions and provide resources on maintaining open communication with teens about drugs and mental health.
As the trailer continues its journey, we aim to reach even more people by partnering with local schools, parent organizations, and community groups. Together, we can piece together a safer and healthier community for our youth.
To bring the HIPS trailer to your next event, contact the Pledge for Life Partnership or email jschreiner@i-kan.org for more information.
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