Recognizing the Importance of Community in Addressing Youth Substance Use

On Wednesday October 9, 2013, the East Haddam Local Prevention Council hosted “Connecting With What Matters: A Call To Action” at Nathan Hale-Ray Middle School. The event brought together more than sixty people representing many different groups in our community. Youth, parents, school staff, church and civic leaders, business owners, police, medical personnel and representatives from town and state government came together to join the effort to combat underage substance use in East Haddam.  Sylena Krazkowski, President of Youth Helping Youth, joined Christine Steele, Prevention Coordinator, in opening the event and shared how even the presence of drugs and alcohol affect her school community and why the youth and community voice matter in helping to reduce underage substance use.  David Moreau & Kevin Moffatt, Youth Helping Youth officers, and Toni McCabe, Director of East Haddam Youth & Family Services, presented current trends in substance use in the community and the important role that building assets plays in reducing underage drinking and drug use.

In second part of the evening, council members led small group discussions that focused on setting boundaries and expectations at home, school and in the community, the importance of role modeling and giving our children the skills they need to make healthy choices. Many recognized the importance of reaching out and communicating with one another in order to build relationships with and for our youth.  Attendees stressed that everyone - churches, schools, parents, general community - need to work together to establish a strong sense of community.

The event closed with a compelling speech from Joshua Lake, the Public Relation Coordinator of Youth Helping Youth. He reminded the audience that all of us are unified by the common belief that our community can be a safer and more wholesome environment and that all of us can work together to address this issue on all fronts.

“While some actions may be considered small, every step leaves a footprint and every movement a trail for others to follow.”… Joshua Lake

The East Haddam Local Prevention Council is an alliance of individuals and groups in which members all agree to work together toward the common goal of raising kids to be strong, safe and substance free. We would like to thank Aramark, DARE, MPAC and PTO for providing food and monetary donations for this event. It is the first of many gatherings that will focus on connecting with one another to build on the many positive things that are already going on to keep our youth strong, safe and substance free.

Lastly, we would like to thank all who attended the event. A collective action makes our community stronger so please let’s keep the discussions going!

To learn more, check us out on-line at www.ehlpc.org