ARLINGTON — The newly formed Arlington Drug Awareness Coalition is sponsoring a community-wide drug and alcohol awareness event, “Out of the Shadows,” on Wednesday, March 26, at 6 p.m. in the Byrnes Performing Arts Center. The group encourages all community members, parents and young people to attend this event, and will provide childcare for younger children through the National Honor Society.

The presentation will open with personal stories about young people from Arlington who have struggled with addiction, followed with information about which drugs are being abused in this area, what addiction looks like and how community members can fight back while still supporting those who are struggling. The presenters will include school administrators, law enforcement personnel, healthcare representatives and recovery specialists.

An information fair will also take place before and after the presentation, during which families will have opportunities to see the positive activities that are available to young people in the community, as well as the treatment, recovery and support options that are available to those at risk.

The Arlington Drug Awareness Coalition is an alliance of parents, educators, city organizations, businesses and community members working together to bring change to the rising drug problem in Arlington, through education and awareness. To learn more about this group, visit www.arlingtonaware.com or call Liz Ries at 360-618-6300, ext. 3009.