The Paterson Coalition Against Substance Abuse (P-CASA) is hosting a substance awareness forum in the Passaic County Community College on Saturday November 8.

Organizers said the forum will begin at 11:30 a.m. where “a panel of adults and youth will come together to raise community awareness on the issues of underage drinking and its relationship to violent crimes.”

The coalition uses research and prevention tools to increase community partnerships and reduce substance abuse among youths ages 12-17, organizers said. The event will take place inside the Paterson Room inside the college. Organizers are asking members of the community to attend Saturday’s forum.

Where: Passaic County Community College in the College Administrative Building Paterson Room, Memorial Drive (College Ave).
When: Saturday November 8, 2014 from 11:30 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.

The coalition is a partnership between Montclair State University and various community groups out of the city’s 1st Ward. “Our work attempts to change social structures that promote alcohol and drug use, reduce youth access to alcohol and tobacco products, and support policies that will improve the regulation and oversight of alcohol- and tobacco-selling companies,” states the coalition’s website.