RENO — To raise awareness in the community that substance abuse is an issue that affects everyone, ACCEPT will host a Prevention Town Hall from 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. Sunday.

At the event, recovering youths, local police department representatives and a local attorney will be part of the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration’s (SAMHSA’s) National Prevention Week 2012, a time for communities to come together and focus on the importance of preventing substance abuse and promoting mental, emotional and behavioral well-being.

In Nevada, 70.4 percent of Hispanics, 58.5 percent of whites, 56.8 percent of African Americans and 47.3 percent of Native American youths ages 12-20, reported binge drinking in the past 30 days, according to the report “Minorities & Substance Abuse In Nevada 2011.” But there is hope that efforts focusing on prevention and promoting well-being, such as the Prevention Town Hall, can result in healthier living for individuals and stronger communities for everyone.

The town hall will take place at Greater Light Christian Center Youth Church, 2400 W. Seventh St. in Reno. Materials to support national Prevention Week are provided by the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration. For more information, visit www.samhsa.gov/preventionweek.