Focus on 'Safe & Healthy Community'

Once known as the Stoneham Substance Abuse Coalition, the local organization working to prevent addiction disorders through education and support has changed its name. Now it is simply ‘Stoneham Coalition,’ with the tag line: “for a safe and health community.”

The Stoneham Coalition is made up of representatives of all sectors of the Stoneham Community, including first responders, educators, health professionals, families and high-school students. It formed in 2013 to address the epidemic of drug and alcohol abuse in Stoneham and beyond.

“Our number one goal is to make Stoneham a safe and drug-free place for our youth,” said Shelly MacNeill, Chairperson of the Coalition. “Prevention is a powerful tool to counteract drug use in our community.”

Thanks to a $625,000, five-year grant awarded last year, the Coalition has expanded its outreach. To do this, the Coalition hired two professionals, Kayla Vodka, substance abuse prevention coordinator, and Megan Samborski, youth education coordinator.

The Coalition also has a new web site, www.stonehamcoalition.org, and can also be found on Facebook.