Community forum on substance abuse

The Greater Augusta Prevention Partners and Skyline Drug Task Force will hold a community forum on Monday, August 29 from 7-8:30 p.m. at Waynesboro High School, 1200 W Main Street.

The forum entitled, “Taking Back Our Community,” will be a panel discussion with audience members regarding recent drug trends; the crippling effects of drugs on the human body; the negative impact on families, schools and the community overall; and other topics.

Featured panelist include – representatives from the Virginia Department of Health, UVA toxicology, Skyline Drug Task Force, Waynesboro Commonwealth’s Attorney’s Office and Dr. Brian Kelley, Chairperson of the Psychology Department at Bridgewater College and preeminent speaker on substance abuse and its neurological effects.

Rob Longley, Managing Editor of The News Virginian, will serve as moderator.  Business partners include Zeus Theaters and The News Virginian.

The forum is open to the public.

“This forum will give answers to the community as to why the sale of illicit drugs has skyrocketed in the Staunton, Augusta County, Waynesboro area and the new strategy that law enforcement is taking to combat it,” says Waynesboro Police Captain Michael Martin, member of the Skyline Drug Task Force.  “The speakers that will be presenting are leaders in their respective fields and serve on the front lines on the regional effort to thwart the narcotics trade.”