Government
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MELROSE SUBSTANCE ABUSE PREVENTION COALITION |
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Kara Showers, MPH, CHES Substance Abuse Prevention Coordinator City of Melrose Health Department 562 Main Street Melrose, MA 02176 Ph (781) 979-4128 Fax (781) 979-7696 Email: kshowers@cityofmelrose.org |
Janet Nevin Substance Abuse Prevention Administrator City of Melrose Health Department 562 Main Street Melrose, MA 02176 Ph (781) 979-4130 Fax (781) 979-7696 Email: jnevin@cityofmelrose.org |
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OUR VISION: We envision a Melrose that is a safe, healthy, and resourceful--a community that embraces evidence-based substance abuse prevention efforts and is united on the path to positive solutions. OUR MISSION: The Coalition is dedicated to improving the quality of life for all. By providing resources and partnering locally and regionally, we take a leadership role in creating a substance abuse-free community. Melrose Substance Abuse Prevention Coalition: A Catalyst for HOPE...health, outreach, prevention, and education. Funding Credits: Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) and Eastern Bank HOW WE BEGAN: In 2004, two of our community's young people died tragically due to overdose-related incidents. This spurred members of the Melrose Community Coalition to actively address the growing problem of substance abuse. Statistically, the rate of binge-drinking and heroin/prescription drug use is higher among Melrose youth than the Massachusetts average. In 2006, under the leadership of the Health Department, the CIty applied for and received a state planning grant to support a community needs assessment. Additionally state funding was awarded which allowed the City to form the Melrose Substance Abuse Prevention Coalition. A Coalition Coordinator was hired and the first of five years of federal Drug-Free Communities funding was received!
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COALITION MEMBERS The Coalition meets monthly. WORKSHOPS, EVENTS, AND TRAININGS For most recent listings, click HERE! If you plan to attend or have question, email or call Janet at 979-4130 kshowers@cityofmelrose.org.ACTION TEAMS GUIDING GOOD CHOICES ACTION TEAM: Point Person = Donna Macdonald. The curricula is designed to give parents and caregivers with children aged 8 -14 the knowledge and skills needed to guide their children through early adolescence. A $500 community grant was received once again from our partner Eastern Bank to help cover 2010/2011 facilitator stipends! A targeted marketing plan has been finalized to work toward the institutionalization of the program via 5th/6th grade parents/elementary schools and Melrose places of worship. Sustainability of this program is the Action Team's current focus as is preparing for the Fall 2010 workshop series. Next meeting: Contact Donna.
POLICE ACTION TEAM: Point Person = Officer
Michael
Plumer 665-TIPS promotion and outreach continues to move forward. Thanks to a state underage drinking grant through EOPSS, the first ever alcohol compliance checks were conducted in Melrose in May '09 and results found 3 of 8 establishments checked to be in compliance. Bi-annual rounds of alcohol compliance checks were funded by the City for FY'10; March '10 found 7 of 9 establishments checked in compliance and June '10 found 100% compliance! Support on Social Host law outreach continues as well. A marijuana public consumption ordinance is in draft form as the state decriminalization of marijuana will undoubtedly have local impact. Click here for more information. Next meeting: Contact Mike.
POLICY ACTION TEAM: Point Person = Kara Local policy: Social Host Liability: local ordinance outreach continues. Liquor Licensing: incorporated the following “safeguards” into the revision of the liquor licensing regulations: a) advertising signage controlled b) compliance checks required c) mandatory server/seller training. Updated regulations approved by the Liquor Licensing Commission on Feb 25, 2009. Liquor Licensing Commission and Melrose licensees partnership plan created with the help of the Cambridge Prevention Coalition. Providing a Responsible Beverage Server Training (21 Proof) for all licensees free-of-charge on July 19th. State policy: talking to regional Coalitions to determine where they are in the process of state policy issues. Following certain alcohol, tobacco, and other drug pending legislature and keeping Coalition informed. Visit www.jointogether.org, www.madd.org, or www.moar-recovery.org for more on state policy. Contact info for current State Rep and State Senators is listed below: -Katherine Clark, State Representative, Room 254, State House, Boston, MA 02133, Tel: (617) 722-2220 -Senator Thomas McGee, Room 112, State House, Boston, MA 02133, Tel: (617) 722-1350 -Senator Richard Tisei, Room 308, State House, Boston, MA 02133, Tel: (617) 722-1063 OR Senator Tiseis’ District Office, 979 Main Street, Wakefield, MA 01880, Tel: (781) 246-3660 Next meeting: Contact Kara.
SCHOOL ACTION TEAM: Point Person = Jan Flynn. Continued
implementation of Project
Northland Class Action Next meeting: Contact Jan.
SPORTS ORGANIZATION OUTREACH ACTION TEAM: Point Person = Trisha Keane. Continuing partnerships with Melrose Youth Hockey, Melrose National Little League, Babe Ruth, Churchill Little League, Girls Soccer League, Melrose Pop Warner, and Lacrosse Team. Working with coaches and parents to encourage athletes to make healthy choices. Next meeting: Contact Trisha.
YOUTH ACTION TEAM: Co-Youth Advisors = . High School Teen Leader(s)= TBD. Middle School Teen Leader(s) = TBD. Moving forward with a youth-led, youth-empowered group. Melrose Draws the Line (Credit to Wyoming's We Draw the Line)....where do you draw the line? Visit the Melrose Draws the Line website to post your story! Campaign is designed to spark community discussion around behaviors that cross the line. Click to view sticker, alcohol poster, and marijuana poster. Environmental Scan....click here to check out what teens found at teen party "hotspots" in 2009. Physical design improvements to Swains Pond/Towners Pond, Mt. Hood, and Mary Foley are happening thanks to Park Commission and Conservation Commission. See our press release. Hoover and Lincoln school Media Literacy lessons are complete. Taught by middle school reps and Youth Advisor to 3rd-5th graders...click here for info packet. Next meeting: TBD.
CONTACT KARA WITH QUESTIONS/COMMENTS: kshowers@cityofmelrose.org |
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