According to the Minnesota Student Survey results, Freeborn County students are self-reporting substance abuse as young as 10 years of age. When students were asked what caring adults in the community can do to help prevent youth from underage substance abuse, the first thing mentioned was to talk about it.

The public is invited to be a part of this discussion. Freeborn County Partners In Prevention in partnership with Albert Lea Schools and Fountain Centers will host an informational meeting for community members to attend from 6 to 8 p.m. May 24 in the auditorium at Southwest Middle School.

The group invites not only parents, but all community members. Come join this free informational meeting to hear Michael Brunner, clinical director for Fountain Centers, talk about why teens use alcohol and other drugs, the effects these substances have on teen development, the difference between substance use and substance use problems, and how to respond to teen substance use.

Attendees will also hear from a local drug task force officer who will present and share examples of common paraphernalia and drugs used in and around our communities.

As a coalition, the group is working to collaborate efforts and develop prevention strategies to address youth substance abuse in schools, in homes, and throughout the community.

There are many individuals already working to prevent and reduce underage substance abuse and with the help of other community members, parents in collaboration with our schools everyone can play a major role in helping to address this issue.

Visit the FCPIP Facebook page to see more details about this meeting, and for more information contact FCPIP Program Coordinator Lana Howe (507)-377-5504 or Lana.Howe@co.freeborn.mn.us.