For Immediate Release
Wednesday, Feb. 10, 2016

Media Contact: John Guilfoil
Phone: 617-993-0003
Email: john@jgpr.net

Contact: Christine Bongiorno
Phone: 781-316-3170
Email: CBongiorno@town.arlington.ma.us

Arlington Youth Health and Safety Coalition Honored at Community Anti-Drug Coalitions of America’s National Substance Abuse Prevention Conference

ARLINGTON — The Arlington Department of Health and Human Services is pleased to announce that Arlington’s Youth Health and Safety Coalition (AYHSC) was recognized at the Community Anti-Drug Coalition of America’s (CADCA) 26th Annual National Leadership Forum in Washington, D.C. last week.

At a ceremony on Feb. 2, AYHSC received the 2016 Chairman’s Award. This special honor is presented to one coalition a year in recognition of their exemplary demonstration and application of core competencies and essential processes of effective community problem solving.

Additionally, AYHSC was one of 178 community coalitions in attendance that completed a year-long training program at CADCA’s National Coalition Academy.

Over the past year, AYHSC has assisted in updating Arlington High School’s substance use policy, hosted community forums on marijuana, opioids and mental health, and organized prescription drug take-back events with local organizations in town.

“We are so proud of our coalition for investing the time and resources to take advantage of the best community coalition training in the world,” said Ivy Laplante, Director of Arlington Youth Health and Safety Coalition. “To graduate from this year-long course is no small feat and we are now better prepared to be an effective, sustainable coalition because of this training.”

The Arlington Youth Health and Safety Coalition was established in 2006 and focuses on positive community change through education, environmental initiatives, policy development, and improving youth access to treatment. Its mission is to prevent and reduce substance abuse and other risky behaviors that adversely affect Arlington youth.

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