A group of local seventh graders learned a few things about drugs and alcohol Tuesday morning.

Students from Alachua County middle schools participated in the 20th Annual March of Dimes Health Conference. Organizers said about 300 students participated in the event, which is part of the March of Dimes Chain Reaction Program, coordinated by high school students.

March of Dimes Coordinator Cherie Sussman said she hopes events like these will help keep kids away from drugs, just one of the many topics guest speakers discussed at the conference.

"I think a lot of times people don't think that seventh graders are doing bad things yet," Sussman said. "If we can make a difference in one child's life then we have done our job."