ROCK SPRINGS - Wyoming families hear a lot about the horror stories that come from abusing alcohol and drugs - and the scare tactics designed to prevent them.

A new state-sponsored initiative being offered across Wyoming aims to take a more positive approach to preventing substance abuse, officials involved in the effort said.

The unique substance abuse initiative - titled "Are you Up to Positive Change? A Night to Click On to Conversation About Alcohol and Drugs" - is the brainchild of the Wyoming Association of Churches, according to WAC Director Rev. Warren Murphy.

Murphy said funding for the initiative was provided by the Wyoming Department of Health, Mental Health and Substance Abuse Services Division.

Organizers have scheduled six "family nights" in various locations across the state as part of the program.

Murphy said in a release that each community gathering will offer a free dinner and "open conversation on how families can be involved in a positive approach" to substance abuse prevention.

"These family night presentations are being designed to get past the scare tactics and focus on the positive things families are doing to avoid substance abuse and to offer up the local resources available to help families to do a better job," he said.

Murphy said Jay Otto, the prevention and wellness coordinator for Cody's West Park Hospital, will be the main speaker at each event.

He said Otto's presentation will deal with misperceptions about the extent of substance abuse and explain how to establish positive community norms. Murphy said local substance abuse prevention leaders will also be present at each gathering.

He said each session will begin with a free community dinner and will feature clips from popular movies that have touched on the topic. Murphy said the events will be free and open to the public.

"Family nights" are planned for Baggs on Sept. 15, Rock Springs on Sept. 29, Lander on Sept. 30, Cheyenne on Oct. 20, Sheridan on Oct. 23 and Cody on Oct. 28.

Contact Jeff Gearino at (307) 875-5359 or gearino@tribcsp.com