Hispanic substance abuse fair held to educate youth, parents and family on drug dangers

CLEVELAND - Even though there was no school over the weekend, class was in session Saturday for some Cleveland youth.

The subject- substance abuse.

Hispanic Urban Minority Alcoholism & Drug Abuse Outreach Program (UMADAOP) held its 1st annual substance abuse fair at the UMADAOP Youth Center at 3115 Scranton Road in Cleveland.

Substance abuse and mental health experts from local hospitals, treatment centers and agencies were on hand to educate youth, parents and families on the dangers of smoking and alcohol and drug abuse.

"As educators, families or parents, if we don't educate our children about the dangers of drugs and what it can lead to, it can really impact your life," said prevention manager Carmen Alvarado.

University Hospitals and Giant Eagle sponsored the event. Refreshments and gifts were passed out to those in attendance. Dave's Supermarket donated five turkeys to be raffled off. Meal tickets for children donated by Hometown Buffet were passed out.

Hispanic UMADAOP is the 1st bilingual/bicultural substance abuse agency in Ohio.