Pubdate: Fri, 09 Nov 2007
Source: Rockingham News (NH)
Copyright: 2007 Seacoast Newspapers
Contact:  http://www.seacoastonline.com/news/rock/index.htm
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/2958
Author: Ann Sanok

LOCAL ANTI-DRUG COALITION GETS GRANT

Money used to combat alcohol, substance abuse

Skyrocketing drug related indictments in Rockingham County have 
raised alarms in local schools signaling the need to beef up 
prevention, intervention, and treatment programs for community youth. 
That process has just been made easier thanks to a 5-year, $100,000 a 
year federal grant received by the Sanborn/Timberlane Regional Safe 
and Drug Free Communities Coalition.

Executive Director Andrea Bonner announced the grant award at the 
coalition's quarterly meeting on Wednesday at Timberlane Regional 
High School. Bonner said the money will be used to support 
collaborative efforts to reduce alcohol and other substance abuse 
among people in the communities of Kingston, Newton, Fremont, 
Plaistow, Atkinson, Danville, Sandown and Hampstead.

Part of the grant money will also be used to fund the position of 
recent hire Jennifer Selfridge who will serve in the newly created 
position of coordinator.

Selfridge, who has been involved in drug prevention in the New 
England area for over 20 years, said she is thrilled to be part of 
Sanborn/Timberlane's efforts to reduce alcohol and drug abuse in the community.

"I think it is possible to make real change and I look forward to 
facilitating all the good work that is already in progress," said Selfridge.

The Coalition is a partnership among youth, parents, school, elected 
officials and law enforcement in the Sanborn/Timberlane school 
districts which works to help young people make healthy choices and 
to provide services and resources who struggle with drug and alcohol 
abuse issues.

Various coalition sponsored activities include tobacco prevention and 
control program, parent support groups and resources, drug and 
alcohol recovery groups and peer outreach groups. The coalition also 
runs a program called Making Change, an anonymous, confidential group 
facilitated by a professional counselor. The group helps young people 
seeking to change unhealthy behaviors. The group meets Monday 
afternoons from 3 to 4 p.m. at the Sad Cafe in Plaistow.

Coalition board member Dick Gerrish emphasized that the majority of 
crimes are drug related. "Punishment alone won't do it," said 
Gerrish. "We need to address the other piece and that is prevention 
and treatment."

State Rep. John Flanders of Kingston, who attended the meeting, said 
he felt the coalition was "doing better and better work all the 
time." Flanders said he supported programs for youth and parents.

"We can't just blame the kids. The parents have to take more 
responsibility for these teenagers who get involved in drugs. Some 
parents are not doing their job," said Flanders.

Tim Lena, coalition chair and the Student Assistance Program 
Coordinator for Timberlane, acknowledged the work of Friends of 
Rachel, Sanborn Regional High School student-led organization that 
encourages friendship, respect and inclusion.

Lena also noted that although the participating school districts have 
seen a decrease in risky behavior over the past few years, recently 
there are signs of increased use of inhalants, prescription and 
over-the-counter drug abuse by students.

"Kids think that because these substances are legal, that they are 
not dangerous," Lena said.

Membership in the coalition is open and new members are encouraged to 
get involved. Anyone wanting more information on the coalition's many 
resources can contact visit the Sad Cafe's Web site at 
www.thesadcafe.com or call Bonner at 382-8893.
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MAP posted-by: Keith Brilhart