Parents, Educators and Community Invited to “Get SAVVY” about Youth Substance Abuse Awareness and Prevention

Benzos, Spice, Ivory Wave, Red Dove, K-3, Z-Bar, Beans…it’s hard to talk to your kids about substance abuse…it’s even harder if you don’t speak the language. The Substance Abuse Awareness Vital for Virginia Youth (SAVVY) Initiative wants to help parents, educators and community groups “get SAVVY” about youth substance abuse at the third SAVVY Expo on Saturday, April 27 at Christopher Newport University (CNU).

Designed to raise awareness and spotlight prevention strategies, this free event will feature displays on bath salts, synthetic cannabinoids, prescription drugs, over-the-counter medicines, alcohol, inhalants and other commonly-abused substances. The 26 organizations exhibiting at the expo will provide information about the old and new substances children are exposed to in their communities. Attendees will leave equipped with a plan to discuss substance abuse prevention with young people.

Parents, educators and community groups are encouraged to take this unique opportunity to network with health and public safety agencies, PTAs and schools, law enforcement, youth advocates and others. Attendees can “get SAVVY” about prevention strategies and recent trends in youth substance abuse; review available programs and resources and test their SAVVY IQ!

 
For additional information see http://www.facebook.com/savvyva or contact ABC Education Coordinator Jennifer Farinholt at jennifer.farinholt@abc.virginia.gov. Pre-registration is not necessary however RSVPs are helpful for planning purposes.