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According to the Canadian Mental Health Association, 85 per cent of Canadian teenagers have consumed alcohol and 50 per cent have consumed illegal drugs.

Addictions are one of the most dangerous and destructive issues facing youth in the community today.

According to the Canadian Mental Health Association, 85 per cent of Canadian teenagers have consumed alcohol and 50 per cent have consumed illegal drugs.

The most at-risk group to develop addictions are those under 25.

CMHA Suicide Awareness Group, Mental Illness Family Support Centre and the North Okanagan Child and Youth Mental Health and Substance Use Local Action Team have come together to host a panel and community resource fair to educate the community on this issue at the local level, as well as provide information on community resources available to those in need.

Dr. Michael Ocana will lead a discussion on Youth Addictions: Prevention through Relationships to be followed by a panel discussion that includes Dr. Kevin Miller, School District 22 substance abuse prevention counsellor Doug Rogers, as well as a parent and a youth with lived experience.

“Prevention is the key to helping youth in our community. We need to explore what we are doing to help kids make better choices to lead healthier lives. Youth today are faced with unique challenges and it is more important than ever that schools, services providers and family members get actively involved in the lives of their kids,” said Rogers.

The panel and resource fair take place at the Vernon Recreation Centre auditorium Nov. 23 from 6-9 p.m., with the presentation and panel discussion at 7 pm. Admission is free.