MISSISSIPPI STATE -- Divorce, unplanned pregnancies, predators, substance abuse and behavior issues are some of the topics that will be discussed at an upcoming North Mississippi conference addressing the needs of families and communities.

The Families and Communities Together, or FACT, conference will take place Sept. 30 at The Summit in Tupelo. Registration begins at 8 a.m., and sessions take place from 8:30 a.m. until 3:30 p.m. Early registration is $40 by Sept. 25 and $60 after that date. The fee covers lunch and program materials.

Featured speakers for the ninth annual FACT conference are Mississippi Attorney General Jim Hood, Department of Human Services Director Don Thompson, and Dr. Ed Hill, former president of the American Medical Association.

Continuing education credits will be available for social workers, foster parents, teachers, child-care providers, counselors, and marriage and family therapists.

The FACT conference is sponsored by Lee County Families First (Family Resource Center), the Mississippi State University Extension Service, CREATE of Tupelo, the state Department of Education (School Attendance Office), and other concerned citizens.

For more information, contact Carla Stanford, Extension area child and family development agent, at (662) 489-3910 or carlas@ext.msstate.edu.

Contact: Dr. Carla Stanford, (662) 489-3910