The impact of drug use and abuse takes an enormous toll. Join the Snoqualmie community in exploring this issue at “Shattering the Stigma of Substance Abuse in Our Community,” 6:30 p.m. Wednesday, Dec. 7 at Snoqualmie City Hall.

The Snoqualmie Valley Community Network will host a discussion about the use and abuse of drugs in the Snoqualmie Valley. This event is open to the entire community and all ages.

Snoqualmie Mayor Matt Larson, Snoqualmie Fire Chief Mark Correira, and interim Snoqualmie Police Chief Jim Schaffer are members of the task force addressing youth mental health illness and substance abuse and invite community members to attend.

“Substance abuse is a pervasive and growing problem that negatively affects our Valley community and creates chaos in the lives of the individuals and families involved,” said Mayor Larson. “And yet, it is often ignored and under-reported due to the shame and stigma connected with this disease. Come join a safe and respectful presentation and discussion that will shed some light and hope upon this painful topic.”

The evening will include a presentation by Jerry Blackburn, M. Ed., CDP: “Understating the complex physiological nature and impact of substance use.” Blackburn is the program manager for Substance Abuse and Prevention Services for Friends of Youth, a faculty member in the Chemical Dependency Counseling Education Program at Bellevue College, as well as the current Chair of the Influence of Choice – Drug Prevention Alliance for Youth.

The presentation will be followed questions and further discussion. Registration is recommended. For more information, send email to svcn@msn.com.

This event is sponsored the Snoqualmie Valley Community Network, the City of Snoqualmie, Friends of Youth, and the Snoqualmie Valley Hospital.