Learn About RX Drug Abuse: Youth Adult Council in collaboration with Newington Human Services, Newington Public Schools, Newington Interfaith Clergy Network, and the Central CT Health District are offering an educational presentation on RX Drug Abuse. The presentation is free and open to adults and teens. It is being held on Wednesday April 4, 2018 6pm to 8pm at the Newington High School, Event Center. We will be providing free light refreshments, an opportunity to learn the facts about the Opioid Crisis and prevention strategies. You will hear two riveting personal stories on how drugs impacted each presenters’ life and receive written materials regarding Opioid / Substance use and potential resources for treatment and support. We hope that you will join us for this very important timely event. For more information regarding this program- please call 860-665-8590.

Charles K. Brown, Jr., MPH       Central Connecticut Health District             

Presents a brief overview of this troubling trend—the extent of the problem,facts and statistics nationally and in CT.

Allyse Madey, age 26, grew up in Berlin playing soccer, basketball and softball. The youngest in a loving family of 5. Started “experimenting” with alcohol and marijuana at age 14. Currently in the School of Business at CCSU and on the Dean’s list. She said she first tried vodka in eighth grade. "I hated the taste but I loved the way it made me feel."  It lessened the constant feeling she had of being different, not belonging, not fitting in. She will share her journey and struggle against addiction, the downward spiral of her life and her current one-day-at-a-time effort to remain clean and sober.

Iran Nazario is the Founder/President/CEO of the Peace Center of Connecticut, an expert in Gang Prevention & Mediation, a drug and alcohol prevention counselor, he has presented to youth service agencies, court support services, schools, & other agencies on a local & national level.

 Iran, as a foster child in the custody of The Department of Children and Youth Services faced challenges & obstacles. For most of his childhood & in to his early twenties immersing himself in the violent street culture of gang membership and prison. He repurposed his life to helping other youth overcome their challenges, serving the community to help prevent violence throughout the City of Hartford, Connecticut. He will share what it means to be in a gang, how It can change a young person's life and how youth join a gang? 

Sponsored by CASAC and CVS.