5K and Fun Walk raises money for youth drug prevention

There is no doubt there is a drug crisis in our country. But one group in Southwest Florida is fighting back, helping the next generation make smart choices.

There is a new way you can help them with the cause.

Drug-Free Punta Gorda will host an event at Charlotte High School. There will be a 5K and a Fun Walk. The youth substance-abuse prevention coalition hosts the family event to raise awareness of the drug problems in Southwest Florida.

Chrissie Salazar, executive director of Punta Gorda, said the proceeds would go towards local drug prevention.

“For every dollar spent in prevention, we get $5 worth of prevention effort out there,” Salazar said.

Middle school and high school teens will be the primary recipients of the education, such as classroom presentations, lunchtime activities and family events out in the community.

“Most students are drug-free because their parents and grandparents and caring adults involved in their lives,” Salazar said.

The race, which will be held at 3811 Tamiami Trail in Punta Gorda, will start at 8 a.m.