Milford Parents Did You Know They're Here To Help You

There's a secret in Milford and it's called the Milford Prevention Council. Never heard of them? Well if you haven't, you're missing a lot. Led by Director Wendy Gibbons, the group's mission is to "EDUCATE. INTERVENE. PREVENT. Our mission is to reduce underage drinking and substance use through prevention education, the support of law enforcement and the strengthening of our community collaboration."

Did you know through their numerous programs they have helped thousands of local students. More than 5,000 Milford students have taken part in Milford Prevention Council's forums. A total of 3,000 pounds of medications have been collected for disposal.

"That’s why we work so hard to educate children and parents about the risks of substance use.
We hold events in the community like Drug Take-Back Day. We work with partners like the Woodruff YMCA. We create programs in our schools like Freshman Forums. And we receive support from dozens of local businesses, civic leaders, kids, parents and families," according to the council's website.

Here are some of the programs that the Milford Prevention Council offers:

Freshman Influences on Youth Forums

Our two Milford high schools hold these annual, two-hour programs in November. They are mandatory for all freshman and at least one parent per family. Five speakers present on topics related to alcohol and substance use. If a student does not attend, he/she is required to write an essay on the topics presented.

Senior University Forums

These three-hour programs for high school seniors take place each May. They include a series of speakers who rotate among groups of seniors. Topics focus on the many transitions youth face moving from high school to college and work. Speakers also discuss the transition from adolescence and parental supervision to young adulthood laden with independent decisions and challenges.

Training for Intervention Procedures (TIPS) Program

MPC has two certified TIPS trainers. They provide four-hour courses to local merchants on responsible beverage (alcohol) service and how to identify fake IDs.

Presentations

The MPC has sponsored presentations that covered topics on substance abuse, bullying, internet safety, and a variety of other prevention topics to youth, parents and the community.

Liquor Retailer Forums

The MPC works with the Milford Police department to sponsor and to facilitate annual Liquor Retail Forums that provide an overview of current liquor laws, and issues related to the purchase of alcohol by youth under the age of 21.

Permanent Med Drop Box

The Milford Prevention Council has partnered with the Milford Police Department to establish a permanent MedReturn drug collection program in order to reduce the supply of drugs that can potentially harm teens and adults. The collection site is open 24 hours/ day 7 days/ week at the Milford Police Department. Drugs can be dropped off with no questions asked. Accepted Medications include prescriptions, prescription patches, prescription medications, prescription ointments, over the counter medications, prescription vitamins, prescription nutritional supplements, prescription samples, and medications for pets.

Billboards

Our billboard campaign has focused on messaging about underage alcohol use and prescription drugs. We utilize statistics from our student surveys for some messaging, and facts about substances on other billboards. We also have a student school contest annually, asking students to design some messaging, and the winners of the contest have their designs transformed into a billboard, and they are recognized at our annual meeting.

Drug Take-Back Days

Our Drug Take-Back Day events provide a safe and responsible way to dispose of prescription drugs. Any citizen can “drive-thru” to drop off unwanted, unused or outdated medications. MPC volunteers staff our events. We distribute brochures to citizens to educate them on the potential for misuse of medications.

Superhero 5K and Family Day

MPC partners with the Woodruff Family YMCA to host an annual Superhero 5k and Family Day. Hundreds of kids and parents come from the greater Milford area to have fun and celebrate good health. The event creates awareness and raises money for each agency.

November Programs Offered By The Milford Prevention Council:

Free Narcan Training: Date: Thursday, November 1, 2018 Time: 6:30 – 8:00pm Place: Milford Elks #1589 (124 New Haven Avenue) Light refreshments will be provided Training will include: Overdose Prevention Strategies Signs and Symptoms of Overdose How to Administer Naloxone Good Samaritan Law Support Information and Resources *Registration is required.

November 4: 2:00 pm - 4:00 pm at the Milford Arts Council, 40 Railroad Ave S. Join the fight against the opioid crisis! A benefit concert for Bridges Healthcare, Inc. and Milford Prevention Council featuring Passing Strange. COCKTAILS | FOOD | RAFFLES | CONCERT RAW ENERGY wrapped in a benefit concert for Bridges and Milford Prevention Council.

The Milford Prevention Council relies on community support to help fund its programs. You can learn more about how to support them by clicking here.

You can contact the Milford Prevention Council by calling 203.783.6676 and by email at info@milfordprevention.org