Chaffee County Build A Generation and the Chaffee County Sheriff’s Office, in cooperation with the Buena Vista and Salida police departments, will sponsor two community forums on drug and alcohol use among Chaffee County’s youth.   The focus will be on providing education and building awareness.

Discussion will center on the results from the student and parent surveys conducted earlier in the year.  Representatives from the sheriff’s office and local police will be present to answer questions about recent law enforcement efforts.  School officials will participate as well.

The forums will be interactive and youth participation will be encouraged.

Come to the forum to learn more about:

• o The influence parents can have on their kids regarding drugs and alcohol
• o The realities and risks of underage use of alcohol, marijuana, prescription drugs and tobacco
• o Where teens get their information and who they believe
• o What studies and surveys say about the risks our kids are facing
• o Action steps our sheriff and police are doing to address these issues
• o How the community can help and be involved

Two sessions will be held.

Buena Vista:  Tuesday, April 17, 6:30-8pm, in the Buena Vista High School cafeteria.  Principal Brian Yates will be present to address parents in advance of the prom weekend.

Salida:  Wednesday, April 18, 6:30-8pm, in the Salida High School cafeteria.

A light dinner will be served at both sessions.

The forums are open to the general public and anyone interested in contributing his or her perspective or learning more about drug and alcohol use in our community is encouraged to attend.

For additional information, contact Chaffee County Undersheriff John Spezze at 719-530-5734; or Chaffee County Sheriff Pete Palmer at 719-530-5727.