Presented by: Mr. Romeo Blackmar
To unite the citizens of Putnam in a partnership to create and foster a safe, drug free environment for the entire community.
For the past several years, the Putnam PRIDE has worked to make our town a safe, friendly, drug-free community. The PRIDE draws its membership from all sectors of society, including healthcare professionals, employees of the school system, town officials, concerned parents, and prevention professionals. It is the intent of the PRIDE to minimize the effects of drugs and alcohol on all community members young and old, and to raise awareness within the community that substance abuse can affect anyone. In order to achieve these objectives, the PRIDE has targeted a number of substances and related issues, including underage drinking, proper prescription drug disposal, and paraphernalia sales at convenience stores. Past accomplishments include awareness campaigns, data collection, and assessment of community substance-abuse needs.
Who We Are:
Community Health Resources
Northeast Communities Against Substance Abuse
Putnam Police Department
Putnam Town Officials
Putnam Business Association
Putnam Library
Northeast District Department of Health
Day Kimball Hospital
Putnam Public School System
Generations Family Health Center, Inc.
Putnam Family Resource Center
WINY Radio
Religious Community
Parents
Youth
What We've Done:
Built ties between community institutions
Provided drug prevention education and activities to local youth
Funded the creation of a local Students Against Destructive Decisions Chapter
Collected substance use data from local schools (Conducted biannually)
Created media campaigns promoting awareness of the Connecticut Social Host Law, underage drinking, and prescription drug misuse
Collected and destroyed over 1000 pounds of unwanted prescription medications
Installed a prescription drug lock box at the Putnam Police Department