Pasco Tax Collector’s Office Collects Over $2900 for the Pasco Alliance for Substance Abuse Prevention (ASAP)

During the month of August the Pasco Alliance for Substance Abuse Prevention (ASAP) was the featured charitable-giving organization at the Pasco County Tax Collector’s Office. The Pasco Alliance for Substance Abuse Prevention’s main priority is to reduce substance abuse among youth by empowering young people to help change their community. Additionally, ASAP creates public service announcements and media campaigns to reach the general public about the dangers of substance abuse as well as new drugs that are becoming available.

“We are incredibly grateful to Tax Collector Mike Fasano and his team for helping us support our youth in their work,” states Monica Rousseau, ASAP Coordinator. “All funds that have been raised will go to implementing projects designed by passionate youth who are committed to changing the culture and discussion around substance abuse. These agents of change host town hall meetings, create media campaigns, and present about community issues to law enforcement, teachers, and decision makers. They inspire me beyond words, and I am happy to be able to support them.”

The promotion gave customers the opportunity to make a donation to the Pasco Alliance for Substance Abuse Prevention either by mail or in person. A total of $2,958.72 was raised through this promotion. Every dollar donated will go directly to the charity for use here in our local community.

“During my legislative career I made it my top priority to create the Prescription Drug Monitoring Program, as well as to shut down pill mills,” states Tax Collector Mike Fasano. “By cutting off such practices as doctor-shopping and the over-prescribing of dangerous medications, we have been successful in saving lives. ASAP is a perfect example of a community-based organization that helps educate young people about the dangers of substance abuse. ASAP is also an advocacy group that works to make change at the local and state level by bringing to the attention of elected officials the need for change in law and policy regarding substance abuse. We have many generous people in our community and I thank them for their kind support of ASAP.”

During the month of September ASAP is touting its student-lead campaign entitled #StompOutStigma. #StompOutStigma, was designed to encourage people to think of addiction and mental illness like any other chronic disease requiring doctor visits, lifestyle change, and social support. The idea is that everyone should feel safe and supported in seeking care for their addiction or mental illness.

For more information regarding the Pasco Alliance for Substance Abuse Prevention and #StompOutStigma please visit the website www.pascoasap.com or contact ASAP Coordinator Monica Rousseau at 727-315-8658. For more information about the charitable giving programs and other services at the Pasco Tax Collector’s Office please visit www.pascotaxes.com or call Greg Giordano, Assistant Tax Collector for Communications & Special Projects at 727-847-8179.

Please consider learning more about the services provided by the Pasco Alliance for Substance Abuse Prevention. Your help and/ or support may help save the life of a young person who is involved with or is considering abusing drugs.

[PHOTO – from left to right – Tracey Kaly, ASAP Board Treasurer, Monica Rousseau, ASAP Coordinator, Chrissie Parris, ASAP Board Chair, Gary Joiner, Director of Operations for Pasco Tax Collector’s Office, Harriette Sorezza, Supervisor of Pasco Tax Collector’s Gulf Harbors Office, and Phil Cohen, ASAP Board Member]