Drug prevention group to offer free haircuts to veterans

Oct. 12—A drug abuse prevention group is holding a free haircut event for military veterans, service members and their families later this month.

On Oct. 23, from 10 a.m. until 2 p.m., the Agency for Substance Abuse Prevention will offer free haircuts at two locations as a way to give back to veterans and their families, said prevention specialist Chandy Gordon.

Titled "Prevent and Clip," this event will be held at L C Salon at 655 Creekside Drive in Oxford, and at Pooh's Barber Shop, 314 South Quintard in Anniston.

According to the National Institute on Drug Abuse, one in ten service members will be diagnosed with a substance use disorder due to the stressors of deployment and other factors associated with the profession. Gordon said this event is a way ASAP can serve those in the community who have paid that price — offering a free haircut and some prevention education as well.

"It's our way to give back to them but also to be able to give them support and important information to let them know that we're there and that we have prevention education for them," Gordon said.

Anyone with a valid military ID can qualify for the free haircuts at either location during the operational hours, Gordon said.

Though this is the first event ASAP has hosted offering haircuts, it has held other similar events catering to the military in the past, such as a free car wash. For more information about ASAP and its upcoming events, visit https://asaprev.com/.

Staff Writer Ashley Morrison: 256-236-1551. On Twitter: @AshMorrison1105.