READING – This September, the Reading Police Department will wear and offer special patches in support of the Reading Coalition for Prevention and Support.
September is observed as National Recovery Month, which increases both awareness and understanding of mental and substance use disorders and encourages individuals in need of treatment and recovery services to seek help.
The Reading Coalition for Prevention and Support, which is funded by the Reading Police Department, offers programs and services that focus on substance misuse prevention and mental health promotion, aligning with the Coalition’s three goals:
- Improve community collaboration
- Reduce substance misuse
- Promote mental health
The special patch merges the traditional Reading Police patch with the Reading Coalition for Prevention and Support logo, featuring five colored ribbons that each represent a different initiative of the Coalition. Green represents Mental Health Awareness; blue represents Bullying Prevention Awareness; purple represents Recovery Awareness; red represents Substance Misuse Prevention Awareness; and yellow represents Suicide Prevention Awareness.
“The work of the Reading Coalition for Prevention and Support is an important part of helping our residents access the resources and support they need,” said Deputy Chief Christine Amendola. “The department is proud to continue to stand alongside the Coalition during Recovery Month and to use this patch as a way to raise awareness, encourage conversation, and show our community that help and support is available.”
Those who would like to receive a patch can donate to any non-profit organization that supports any of the programs within the coalition and show proof of donation. Examples of organizations include NAMI Massachusetts, MOAR Recovery and The NAN Project.
Proof of donation should be submitted to Community Service Officer DaLonn Pearson at dapearson@readingma.gov, or sent in a self-addressed, stamped envelope with proof of donation to CSO Pearson at the police station, 15 Union St., Reading, MA 01867.
About the Reading Coalition
The Reading Coalition for Prevention & Support, formerly known as RCASA, was established in 2006 in Reading. The coalition started as a town, police, school, and community initiative focused on improving collaboration and reducing substance misuse. The coalition was grant-funded from 2007 to 2019. Today, the coalition is funded by the Reading Police Department and offers programs and services that focus on substance misuse prevention and mental health promotion.
The coalition is an essential component in reducing substance misuse in Reading through a variety of prevention efforts. The coalition focuses on shared accountability, community education, coalition trainings, youth leadership programs, special events, and advocacy.
For more information on the Reading Coalition for Prevention and Support, visit here.
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