With the start of school in August, the stress level for teens can be overwhelming.

“We’re concerned about the rate of suicide and mental health issues,” said Jade Watford of the Taylor Watford Foundation. She is part of an event to educate the community about the dangers of anxiety, depression and substance abuse. Also a part of the event will be representatives from the Cayce Police Department, the West Columbia Police Department, the Lexington County Sheriff’s Department and LRADAC.

A Culture in Crisis – A Hope for the Future is a series of educational sessions that will inform the community about mental health and substance abuse issues affecting our families.

The Taylor Watford Foundation is presenting the event. It’s Saturday, from 9 a.m. until 1 p.m., on July 30, at Mt. Hebron Methodist Church, 3050 Leaphart Rd., West Columbia. It’s free and for ages 13 and up.

Register at taylorwatfordfoundation.org under “events.”