The Center for Prevention Services, in partnership with other local service providers and Kmart, is sponsoring a Family Festival in recognition of Substance Abuse Awareness Month (SAAM). The festival is scheduled for Saturday, Oct. 17, 11 a.m. to 2 p.m., and will be in the parking area of Kmart on 815 E Innes St.

Recent data from the 2015 Youth Drug Survey in nearby Mecklenburg County reports that the top issues youth should be protected from are the increased non-medical use and misuse of prescription drugs, increased e-cigarette use, and lowered recognition of the dangers of marijuana use. The report also documents the powerful impact that parents communicating a “no use” message has on keeping kids safe.

“Knowledge is power,” said Executive Director Jane Goble-Clark. “Talking with your kids to clarify your expectations about their safety and wellness, particularly around substance use, is a simple and effective way to protect them from harm. The SAAM Family Festival is a great way to initiate this conversation while enjoying some fun activities with your family.”

The Center for Prevention Services has sponsored SAAM Festivals for over a decade in Mecklenburg, Cabarrus and Union counties. This is the first one to be held in Rowan County but community support for the event has been strong.

The Center for Prevention Services is a nonprofit agency established in 1971 with the goal of providing a better understanding of substance use through prevention, education and research.

CPS works with all age groups to promote health and wellness by preventing substance use and related behavioral health challenges. Services include classroom programs to the public; provision of accredited professional trainings; an information and referral line for community calls; and implementation of the YDS which is one of the nation’s most enduring longitudinal studies relative to youth drug use. For more information, visit www.preventionservices.org or call 704-375-3785.