The DeKalb county partnership for a substance abuse free environment (DCP/SAFE) will host a drug awareness assembly on Oct. 2.

This year’s assembly will target awareness of the problem, prevention and treatment, said Doug Dashner, chairman of the assembly planning committee.

The purpose of the assembly is to increase knowledge of substance abuse in DeKalb County and motivate concerned citizens to take an active role in the community, he said.

“The assembly is an excellent opportunity for partnership members and other concerned citizens to share stories and begin planning for the future,” Dashner said.

Last year’s event, which attracted over 100 people, was very successful in forming groups that focus on issues and aspects of substance abuse.

Groups concerned with issues such as the workplace, legislation and law enforcement were formed. Other groups concerned with substance abuse and home, family and community, treatment, education and sports, and public information were formed, he said.

“We were very pleased by the turnout last year, but I think this year’s agenda will attract an even larger audience,” Dashner said.

The keynote speaker for the day is James Long, executive director of the Illinois Department of Alcoholism and Substance Abuse (DASA).

The assembly will be held at the DeKalb County Farm Bureau, 315 N. Sixth St. and will run between 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. with registration beginning at 8 a.m.