DANBURY, CONN. — With prescription drug abuse on the rise among people of all ages, Western Connecticut State University is hosting a ‘Town Hall Meeting about Rx Drug Misuse’ to hear from experts on the subject. The program is coordinated by the university CHOICES office, Western, The Housatonic Valley Coalition Against Substance Abuse and Insight Counseling.

The panel discussion will be held from 7 to 9 p.m., Wednesday, Oct. 27, in Warner Hall on the university’s Midtown campus, 181 White St. in Danbury. The discussion is free and the public is welcome, but space is limited. Refreshments will be provided.

Panel members include Detective James Fisher of the Danbury Police Department; Dr. Fred Hess, Clinical Director of Arms Acres; Sharon Guck, coordinator of substance abuse prevention programs at Western; and Dr. Marita Michelin of the Danbury Hospital emergency department.

The discussion will raise awareness, define and identify the nature and scope of the extent of the problem and present steps to address this dangerous trend in the community.

According to substance abuse experts, although the use of tobacco, alcohol and illicit drugs among young people has declined from 2002 to 2008, many teens have turned to misusing prescription drugs. Prescription drugs are misused more by this group than any illicit drug, with the exception of marijuana.

To reserve a seat, call (203) 743-7741 or e-mail hvcasa@snet.net.

Western Connecticut State University offers outstanding faculty in a range of quality academic programs. Our diverse university community provides students an enriching and supportive environment that takes advantage of the unique cultural offerings of Western Connecticut and New York. Our vision: To be an affordable public university with the characteristics of New England’s best small private universities.