Substance abuse awareness expo at state forensic lab rescheduled for Nov. 29

Parents, school administrators, and students are invited to attend an ”expo” presented as part of Governor McDonnell’s Substance Abuse Awareness is Vital for Virginia Youth initiative, or “SAVVY.” The event, cancelled due to inclement weather in October, has been rescheduled for Thursday, Nov. 29, 10 a.m.-noon at the Virginia Department of Forensic Science, Northern Laboratory, 10850 Pyramid Place, Manassas, VA 20110. The event will feature prevention strategies and recent trends in youth substance abuse. Exhibitors and speakers will spotlight bath salts, synthetic cannabinoids, prescription drug abuse, alcohol, inhalants, and other commonly-abused substances.

Secretary of Public Safety Marla Decker, Secretary of Education Laura Fornash and Secretary of Health and Human Resources Bill Hazel are collaborating with dozens of public and private organizations to host the second SAVVY Expo. 

Speakers include Secretary Decker, Burnette Scarboro, President & CEO, South County Youth Network and Dr. William Hauda, Pediatric Emergency Medicine specialist and Medical Director, Forensic Assessment and Consultation Teams (FACT) Department, Inova Fairfax Hospital.

More than 20 exhibitors will share available programs and resources spotlighting: bath salts, synthetic cannabinoids, prescription drug abuse, alcohol, inhalants and other commonly-abused substances. More information about the SAVVY initiative can be found at http://www.facebook.com/savvyva.

For more information call or email Jennifer Farinholt, ABC Education Coordinator, at 804-213-4452 or .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address). Also check http://www.facebook.com/savvyva for frequent updates.