Rockville Centre Coalition for Youth visits Sandel Center

The Rockville Centre Coalition for Youth brought its message of promoting underage substance abuse prevention to the Sandel Senior Center on June 21. Confide Counseling and the Coalition-supported Power of Prevention (POP) group presented dramatic testimony to Sandel Senior Center members about the dangers of alcohol and drug abuse for all ages in our community.

The POP presenters, two in their early twenties, spoke specifically of how drug and alcohol abuse impacts all members of affected families. The POP presenters also gave specific tips on how to identify and prevent underage substance abuse with family members, especially grandchildren. Sandel members discussed the importance of awareness, and also of locking up alcohol and prescription drugs so that visiting children can be protected from these dangers. The response by the attendees was very encouraging and they suggested that additional information be circulated through the media. The POP presenters have been very active this past year, and have also made prevention presentations to all South Side middle and high school students. The POP presentations are very powerful because the message of drug and alcohol abuse prevention is made by young people either in recovery or with family members with addiction.

In addition to working with and supporting the POP program, the Rockville Centre Coalition for Youth has been very active spreading the message about the dangers of teen substance abuse working with many community groups since winning a five year, $625,000 Drug Free Community grant last September. More than 20 community groups are represented as Coalition sectors including the RVC School District, the PTA, Confide Counseling, RVC Police, RVC Lions, RVC Youth Council, RVC Chamber, the Hispanic Brotherhood, St. Agnes Parish, the Vineyard Church, the National Guard and many more.  

This year, the Coalition has supported the Wellness Fair, Dr. Dewey’s presentation on the effects of addiction on the brain, the social host awareness campaign and two substance awareness PSAs, including one being shown at the Fantasy theatre. The Coalition has also supported the Substance Abuse Awareness through Art project spearheaded by the RVC Youth Council, Inc. The Coalition is also supporting and promoting the Opioid Overdose training at the Vineyard Church at 7 p.m. on Thursday Aug. 4.

If you would like to get involved as year two of our Coalition grant begins, please contact Coalition Project Coordinator Ruthanne McCormack or Coalition Program Director Jeanne Mulry at info@rvccoalitionforyouth.org.    All are welcome!