The Schuyler County Coalition on Underage Drinking and Drugs (SCCUDD) will sponsor a community forum about methamphetamine use in Schuyler County.

The community forum, titled “Emerging Drug Concerns Part I: Meth,” is the first in a series of forums planned by the Coalition. The event will take place Oct. 26 from 6:30 p.m. to 8 p.m. at the Watkins Glen Elementary School auditorium.

The forum will host a panel of community members including Schuyler County Sheriff William Yessman, Danielle Tilden, Clinic Manager of Finger Lakes Addictions Counseling and Referral Agency (FLACRA), and JoAnn Fratarcangelo, commissioner of Schuyler County’s Department of Social Services (DSS). Community members in recovery will also share their stories and discuss their paths to recovery.

A variety of topics will be covered at the forum. Forum attendees will learn what methamphetamines labs look like and what to do if they come across one. The community forum will also discuss the physical effects of methamphetamines and the societal impacts it has on the county.

“Meth use is a serious concern in Schuyler County,” said JoAnn Fratarcangelo, DSS Commissioner and SCCUDD member. “In 2013, 44.8% of children placed in foster care were removed from meth-using parents. We hope this event will help community members learn about methamphetamines and what they can do to keep Schuyler County safe.”

The mission of SCCUDD is to prevent, reduce and delay the onset of substance use among Schuyler County youth by collaborating with community partners, promoting prevention education and substance-free activities and implementing environmental strategies. SCCUDD’s vision is a connected community where youth have education, resources, and drug-free options to help their journey to become happy, healthy adults.

For more information, or to become involved with SCCUDD, visit SCCUDD online at www.schuylercounty.us/sccudd or follow SCCUDD on social media.