Coalition Hosts Annual Meeting and Awards

The North Reading Youth Substance Use Prevention Coalition held its annual meeting last Tuesday. The meeting is meant to serve as a regular report-out along with highlighting the year’s achievements and hosting the election of its officers. Drug-Free Communities (DFC) Grant Director Amy Luckiewicz explained, “We’re in our fifth year funded from a federal grant and we had a lot of accomplishments to report on.” She added, “Probably one of the biggest achievements during COVID was our volunteer growth. Starting with just twelve original members, we’ve grown to thirty-nine!”

The annual meeting highlighted specific cumulative achievements since its federal funding began. Luckiewicz noted, “It’s really important to celebrate these. Sometimes, in prevention work, you don’t see your results for a long time, if at all.” Specifically, the Coalition has completed 204 community connections, 25 advocacy projects, 151 opportunities to reduce access to substances, 207 presentations or workshops for the community, and 39 coalition development opportunities over the past four years. In addition, Luckiewicz reported a reduction in youth use of alcohol, tobacco, prescription drugs and vaping from 2017-2019. “Unfortunately, because of COVID we couldn’t get accurate data from 2020,” Luckiewicz continued, “But we know we need to keep vigilant, especially in the use of alcohol and high-potency marijuana products used at a young age.”

In addition to reporting on Coalition achievements, the team used the time to recognize two members for their contributions to improve the quality of life for North Reading youth and families. School Resource Officer Detective Paul Lucci was presented his second Trusted Adult Award. Nominated by students at the Middle School RISE program, Detective Lucci was celebrated for his commitment to improving trust between youth and police as well as his efforts to educate young people about substance use. Chief Michael Murphy noted, ”It’s not surprising that Detective Lucci was nominated for and received the Trusted Adult Award. Paul has been a tremendous asset to our department and has excelled in his role as School Resource Officer. Getting the Trusted Adult Award is the ultimate job satisfaction, knowing that what you do is positively impacting others. This was evident in that he was nominated by several of the students he interacts with.”

The Coalition also presented Marci Bailey with the Outstanding Leadership Award. Luckiewicz said, “There’s no doubt that the achievements of the coalition belong to all of our volunteers, but can especially be credited to the leadership of Marci. Marci stepped in just over 3 years ago and has served as Chair with a determined commitment.” She added, “With a long history of dedication to North Reading, she has been an advocate for the youth and families and a fierce supporter of strengthening the wellness of residents. As she steps down from Chair, we cannot thank her enough.” Bailey will continue to serve the coalition as a volunteer.

Finally, the Coalition elected its slate of officers to serve January 1, 2021 to December 31, 2021. Youth Services Director Jennifer Ford was elected Chair, Mental Health/Substance Abuse Clinician Laura Miranda will serve as Vice-Chair, and DFC Director Amy Luckiewicz will serve as Secretary.