In an effort to raise awareness about the increasing use of drugs and alcohol among the youth across Carbon County and Pennsylvania, Rep. Doyle Heffley (R-Carbon) will host a free Carbon County Drug and Alcohol Awareness Expo  from 5 to 8:30 p.m. Thursday, June 5 at the Carbon Career and Technical Institute.

The more than 30 organizations participating in the event are to include (but are not limited to): St Luke’s Miner Memorial Hospital, Blue Mountain Health Systems, Carbon/Monroe/Pike Drug and Alcohol Commission, Valley Forge Medical Center, Clear Brook Treatment Center, Jim Thorpe Crime Watch, Pennsylvania State Police, Victims’ Resource Center, Penn State Extension, Pennsylvania Liquor Control Board and Pyramid Health Care Inc.

The event will feature a mock bedroom, designed to give parents the knowledge necessary to keep their kids safe from drugs.  Simulators will show the effect of texting while driving, in addition to driving under the influence of drugs or alcohol.  Penn State Extension will provide childcare for young children.

Leftover and unused pharmaceuticals are a hazard for abuse and misuse, particularly by young people, a prescription drug drop-off box will be available at the event.  These boxes are a quick and easy way to dispose of unwanted or expired medicines.www.RepHeffley.com or visit his legislative Facebook page at www.Facebook.com/RepHeffley.

For more information regarding this event, visit Heffley’s website at