Drug and alcohol abuse are becoming an epidemic in our country resulting in many deaths and the destruction of relationships in families and in society. Many people feel that this problem does not exist in Suffield, but our first responders will tell you a very different story. In order to educate the town residents the Suffield Local Prevention Council will sponsor a public forum on November 17 at 7 p.m. in the Suffield Middle School auditorium. It will feature areas of education on the issue, prevention, and what we can do to obtain help, support, and treatment for someone that we know or love.