BINGHAMTON, N.Y. -- More than 500 students from our region are learning about substance abuse prevention.

It comes at part of the Yes Safe Choices program.

Middle and High School students from the Southern Tier participated in the annual training day.

The organization aims to bring drug and alcohol prevention to elementary schools.

Students learned the dangers of today's more prominent drugs and ways to stop younger students from using them.

The event included workshops and keynote speakers from across the northeast.

Program supervisors say drugs like heroin and opioids have altered how they teach.

The 500 students will speak to more than 6,000 elementary students across the Southern Tier.

Teachers say presentations like this have encouraged students to avoid alcohol and drugs throughout the years, touting the program’s success.