The Excelsior Springs Substance Abuse Free Environments (SAFE) coalition will be among the more than 400 prevention professionals gathering this week for the Missouri Substance Use Prevention Conference, with 19 local members attending sessions focused on strengthening community health and prevention.SAFE Director Julia Mees noted the annual conference provides an opportunity for members to expand their knowledge, connect with peers and bring new ideas back to Excelsior Springs. “Attending the State Prevention Conference is a time to learn the latest in prevention-related information, hear from speakers and also meet other people doing prevention work around the state,” said Mees. “It helps us stay current in our prevention knowledge.”The large delegation represents a mix of local residents and professionals who work in prevention-related fields throughout the region, according to Mees. The diversity of attendees reflects the coalition’s comm...