Verde Valley News – The Walk With Me, Be Drug Free event at Mortimer Farms on Saturday, April 20th, is an annual celebration to raise awareness about the fact that the majority of people in our county are drug free. This celebration is hosted every year by MATFORCE, an anti-drug organization that educates and raises awareness about substance abuse issues.

This year MATFORCE has partnered with the City of Cottonwood’s Vintage Run to establish a second site for community members to celebrate Stand With Me, Be Drug Free Week. Register for the 2-mile course, also on April 20th, as an additional way to participate in our annual Walk With Me, Be Drug Free event. Teens and youth are eligible to receive a discounted registration rate. For more information about the race, course, or to register visit RunCottonwood.com.

As part of our broader Stand With Me, Be Drug Free positive messaging campaign, the Walk With Me event is the culmination of activities surrounding a week of awareness regarding the positive aspects of staying healthy and choosing not to use drugs. It will be held Saturday, April 20th from 10:00 am to 12:00 pm at Mortimer Farms in Dewey. The Farm Park will be open to all families and community members. And a 1-mile Family Fun Walk starts at 10:00 am. There will also be a face painter, free food and drinks, and more.

The Stand With Me, Be Drug Free campaign challenges social norms and misconceptions that it is a common occurrence to use drugs. When in fact, the majority of people in Yavapai County choose to be drug free. This week of events purposefully celebrate that fact to help promote a healthy lifestyle for everyone.

For more information about the Stand With Me, Be Drug Free campaign or the Walk With Me event visit matforce.org, call (928) 708-0100, or email [email protected].