Durham Regional Hospital is hosting the 2008 M-POWERHOUSE: Bridge to the Future Youth Symposium on March 26 from 8 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. in the hospital's auditorium. The event will enable 170 adolescents from Durham to increase their knowledge and awareness in areas related to community violence and health.

The topics of discussion include: violence prevention, peer pressure, HIV/AIDS, the importance of voting, basic financial management and the importance of high school graduation and furthering your education.

Speakers include Kawachi Clemons, professor of rap music at N.C. Central University; Christopher "Play" Martin, formerly of Kid 'N' Play; Grammy award-winning producer and recording artist Ninth Wonder; Ira Q. Smith, MD, of Harris & Smith OB/GYN and Durham Regional Hospital; and Master of Ceremonies Cy Young of radio stations Foxy 104/107 and K97.5.

The attending students are from City of Medicine Academy at Southern High School, Southern High School Engineering Academy, Hillside High School Finance Academy, Hillside High School Tech Program and others.

For more information, visit www.m-powerhouse.org.