Redefining 4/20: Cy-Fair ISD Hosts Family-Focused Expo to Promote Substance Use Prevention and Mental Health Awareness
As concerns grow around youth substance use and the increasing normalization of marijuana in popular culture, Cypress-Fairbanks ISD (CFISD) is taking a proactive approach to prevention and education. On Saturday, April 12, 2025, from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m., CFISD’s Department of Guidance and Counseling will host the 3rd Annual Redefining 4/20 Expo at the Mark Henry Administration Building in Cypress.
The free, community-wide event is designed to offer interactive education on substance use prevention, promote mental health awareness, and empower families with the knowledge and tools needed to support safe, healthy choices among youth.
Changing the Narrative Around “4/20”
While the date April 20 (commonly referred to as “4/20”) has long been associated with marijuana culture, CFISD is reclaiming the date by focusing on the redefinition of awareness, responsibility, and community engagement.
“This expo is about more than just prevention—it’s about building connections and helping families understand the realities young people face today,” said a CFISD counselor helping organize the event.
With substance use among adolescents remaining a major public health concern, this event provides critical access to facts, resources, and positive alternatives in a format that’s accessible to all ages.
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The Facts: What the Data Shows About Youth Substance Use
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), about 1 in 3 high school students reported using alcohol in the past 30 days, and 1 in 6 used marijuana. Meanwhile, the National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA) found that many teens view cannabis as less risky than alcohol, particularly as state-level legalization continues to influence perceptions.
Yet research shows that marijuana use during adolescence can impair brain development, affect memory and learning, and increase the risk of mental health disorders like anxiety and depression. Parents and educators often underestimate the accessibility of substances to teens, as well as the influence of peer and media messaging.
Education plays a pivotal role in shaping youth choices and parental understanding. Prevention specialists emphasize that events like the Redefining 4/20 Expo create valuable opportunities for families to engage in honest, fact-based conversations about substance use, helping to replace fear or misinformation with knowledge and support.
The M-COPE Memorial Walkway during a previous Redefining 4/20 Expo, a solemn tribute honoring lives lost Community, Education, and Family Activities All in One
The Redefining 4/20 Expo will feature a wide array of educational exhibits and engaging activities, including:
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Live demonstrations from the Cypress-Fairbanks Police Department (CFPD) K-9 Unit
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The M-COPE Memorial Walkway, honoring lives lost to substance misuse
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Interactive booths from local mental health and safety organizations
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Crime Stoppers awareness and safety resources
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BeSMARTforkids education on safe firearm storage
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Face painting and children’s activities
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Performances from local step teams
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Onsite food trucks (food available for purchase)
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CFISD Nutrition Services and giveaways of safety items (while supplies last)
This event supports the belief that prevention starts with community involvement, and the district aims to reach families across all age groups—from elementary through high school.
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The Value of Prevention-Based Community Events
The Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) reports that early prevention strategies—especially those introduced during elementary and middle school—can significantly delay or prevent the onset of substance use in adolescents. When paired with supportive environments and trusted adult relationships, these strategies are shown to improve mental health outcomes and academic performance.
Events like the Redefining 4/20 Expo serve as critical outreach opportunities that not only share resources but help reduce stigma around mental health discussions and substance use education.
“It’s a safe space for students and families to ask questions, gather resources, and connect with real people who care,” said an event volunteer.
All Are Welcome
The 3rd Annual Redefining 4/20 Expo is free and open to the public, and CFISD encourages families, students, educators, and community members to attend. Whether you're a parent looking for drug prevention tools, a student curious about mental wellness, or a resident wanting to support local youth, the event promises to be informative, uplifting, and impactful.
Tiffany Krenek has been on the My Neighborhood News team since August 2021. She is passionate about curating and sharing content that enriches the lives of our readers in a personal, meaningful way. A loving mother and wife, Tiffany and her family live in the West Houston/Cypress region.
