Many people often wonder what they can do to change the drug epidemic that is affecting their communities and afflicting so many young lives with diseases.

To prevent Fayette County youth from trying drugs, the Fayette County Prevention Coalition is hosting a community forum May 30 on how to talk to youth about substance abuse.

“Studies show that when we talk early and talk often to our youth about substance abuse, 50 percent respond by choosing to delay first use. Our youth coalitions will be holding a pizza party and informational session. We will have serious discussions, a skit, and role playing as well,” said Christina Blair, planner at Community Action Commission of Fayette County.

Fayette County has the 11th-highest rate of overdose deaths in the state of Ohio, according to Ohio Drug Overdose Data released by the Ohio Department of Health.

Using data from 2010 through 2015, the Ohio Department of Health created a state-wide map of overdose deaths and data by county.

The Ohio Drug Overdose Data revealed that males are more than twice as likely to die from an unintentional drug overdose than females. There were close to 100 males between the ages of 15 and 24 who died from fentanyl-related overdoses in Ohio during 2015. For females of the same age range, less than 50 were reported.

Th Fayette County Prevention Coalition community forum will be held at Southern State Community College, in the community room, at 1270 US Highway 62 SW in Washington Court House.

The time of the event is scheduled for 6 to 8 p.m. A free pizza dinner will be offered.

Reservations and questions can be directed to Christina Blair at (740) 335-7282 or by email at cblair @cacfayettecounty.org

The Ohio Drug Overdose Data map may be accessed online at http://www.odh.ohio.gov/-/media/ODH/ASSETS/Files/health/injury-prevention/2015-Overdose-Data/2015-Ohio-Drug-Overdose-Data-Report-FINAL.pdf