From left, Maria Bournoville, Kenzi Gummin and Matt Dagostino take part in Keeping It Real, a program to teach kids about the effects of alcohol and other drug abuse.

FLORENCE, Wis. –Florence County seventh and eighth grade students, along with their parents or caregivers, will have the opportunity to participate in a drug and alcohol awareness and prevention program on March 19 from noon to 3 p.m.

Programming will take place at the Northeast Wisconsin Technical College–Hillcrest Campus.

Lunch will be provided to all participants at noon. Students must participate with a parent or other caregiver and will be entered into a drawing for an I-Pod touch and other prize giveaways.

There is no cost to attend this event, which is being conducted with the assistance of the Florence County School District, Florence County Health Department, Florence County Human Services and UW-Extension.

The programming will help students recognize the risks and consequences of drug and alcohol related activity and become prepared to act assertively in refusing offers to use drugs and alcohol.

Speakers will share real-life stories of past decisions and the lifelong impact those choices have made in one’s life.

Often times, parents may not know how to start a conversation about this topic. The event is designed to start the conversation and help students build upon the skills needed to refuse drugs and alcohol.

For further information, please contact the Florence County Health Department at 715-528-4837.