CIT Announces Prevention Week 2018

The North Reading Community Impact Team’s Youth Substance Use Prevention Coalition has announced programming for Prevention Week 2018 during the week of May 14th-May 18th. This week-long intensive focus on providing education will host multiple free workshops to the community and students. Drug-Free Communities Grant Director Amy Luckiewicz explained, “We host workshops and educational activities all year. But Prevention Week is an intensive week that we hope will help educate the community and draw attention to substance use prevention.” In addition to providing information, the community is being asked to drop off any unused prescription drugs at the North Reading Police Department during Prevention Week. Luckiewicz noted, “The drug drop-off box is available every day, all day at NRPD. We’re asking the community to commit now to cleaning out their cabinets and get unused prescription drugs out of their homes.” The drop-off box is located in the lobby of NRPD and free of charge.

In addition, the coalition will partner with NRPD officers to offer free workshops to adults on vaping and how to spot some red flags of substance use. Vaping 101 is a workshop that teaches adults the current trends in vaping and risks associated with vape use. Workshops on vaping will be held Monday, May 14th in the morning and Tuesday, May 15th in the evening. In addition, In Plain Sight Workshop will help adults spot the red flags of substance abuse that are often missed. The In Plain Sight Workshop will be held on Thursday, May 17th in the evening. To register for any of these workshops, please visit www.northreadingma.gov/CIT and click on “events.”

Programming will also be held in eighth, ninth, and tenth grade health classes focused on a variety of substances. Luckiewicz and School Resource Officer Paul Lucci will be hosting an interactive session on alcohol use with Mrs. DaMore’s eight grade health class. Additionally, they will be hosting programming on vaping and marijuana use in Ms. Whitney and Mr. Costello’s ninth and tenth grade health classes at the high school during Prevention Week.

Finally, the Substance Use Prevention Coalition will be launching its targeted social media campaign on Wednesday, May 16th. The community is encouraged to follow the Community Impact Team on Facebook, on Twitter @NorthReadingCIT and on Instagram at “NorthReadingCIT”. The team will also announce winners of the 2018 Trusted Adult Award on Friday, May 18th. Youth of any age through high school may nominate an adult by completing the 2018 Trusted Adult Award Nomination Form and submit it to the Community Impact Team by the Friday, May 11, 2018. Winners will be presented with a 2018 Star Award at this year’s Community Impact Team Annual Breakfast this summer.

For more information on any CIT program, please contact Amy Luckiewicz at coalition@northreadingma.gov or visit www.northreadingma.gov/CIT.