La Mesa Drug Awareness Forum

WHAT:

The La Mesa Collaborative hosts
its first Underage Drinking Forum for parents and students. Phil Hubbs   from the Proactive Network Against Substance
Abuse (PRONASA) will be presenting information to parents about current drug
and alcohol trends among youth. Students will participate in break-out sessions
with Friday Night Live to learn about the dangers of drugs and underage
drinking. Families are invited to arrive at 5:30 p.m. for a complimentary dinner
before presentations begin.

WHEN:

Tuesday, October 29, 2013

Dinner: 5:30 p.m. – 6:15 p.m. 
Presentations: 6:30 p.m. – 8:00 p.m.

WHERE:

La Mesa Community Center

4957 Memorial
Drive, La Mesa, CA 91942

WHO:

La Mesa Collaborative, Phil Hubbs
(retired narcotics officer and executive director of PRONASA), Friday Night
Live,  San Diego Youth Services,
Communities Against Substance Abuse, McAlister Institute, SADD, Community
Research Foundation, community members, parents and youth. Mark Grant, Padres
TV broadcaster will also make an appearance.

WHY:

Underage drinking is a serious problem. Twenty-five percent of
elementary school students in the La Mesa-Spring Valley School District report
having had at least a sip or two of alcohol at least once. Of those who drank,
29 percent report having had their first full drink of alcohol before age 13,
according to the California Healthy Kids Survey.

This event will provide parents
with information and resources to better address the topic of drug use and underage
drinking with their kids. Parents will better understand the risks, trends and
ways to talk to their kids about drug and alcohol use as well as ways they can
set a positive example for their kids and create a safe environment at home. Students
will learn the dangers of drug use and underage drinking and the importance of
making healthy choices.

Experts say education, open dialogue with families and
community-based policies are critical to help students avoid and overcome the
hazards associated with alcohol and drugs.

OPPORTUNITIES:

Video/photo-ops
of presentation and student break-out sessions; interviews with Phil Hubbs and
attendees.