Policy & Enforcement

Its purpose is to focus on legislation, enforcement and policy issues in relation to alcohol, tobacco, other drugs and related prevention issues in the City of Woonsocket.

• Conducting annual vendor meetings for alcohol and tobacco vendors including Fake ID Recognition Training and certification classes.
• Expansion of the "Not So Easy" Campaign which engages alcohol and tobacco vendors as coalition partners in return for free cerfication training and free marketing incentives
• Sponsor the re-introduction and marketing (print, radio and television) of the Anonymous Tipline for crime prevention (401-769-4444)
• Collaborations with Woonsocket Police Department on conducting drug stings, party patrols, Cops In Shops, and Shoulder Tap programs
• Conduct Geographical Information Systems (GIS) mapping project to individually focus on tobacco, alcohol and drug paraphernalia
• Train and prepare youth members to work with Woonsocket Police Department on enforcement checks of underage sales (alcohol and tobacco products)
• Media campaigns focused on Steroid use and sports, Not So Easy, 4:20 Friendly? and Marijuana use
• Provide information such as "Hot Topics" and upcoming issues pertaining to substance abuse and prevention on our monthly radio show, Spotlight On Prevention
  
  

Elderly Committee

Its purpose is to organize and oversee the coordination of prevention of the misuse of prescription drugs, over-the-counter and alcohol by older adults in the City of Woonsocket.

• Sponsor trainings with the URI School of Pharmacy Science to senior citizens regarding medication compliance and Medicare changes
• Provide monthly informational handouts on "Hot Topics," including Smoking Cessation Treatment Options, Falling Risk Assessment, Medication Compliance, Pain Management, Seniors in the Workplace, Safety on the Internet, Identity Safety, General Physical Safety/Self Defense, Alternative Treatment Options, Breast Cancer Awareness
• Sponor "End of Life" information fairs
• Media campaigns for senior citizens focused on communicating with health care provides and medication compliance information
• Sponsor presentations on "The Mind Heals"
• Participation in Senior [Citizen] Prom
• Developed wallet-sized and refrigerator information cards designed to provide health care providers and emergency personnel details of medication history

Substance Abuse Coordinating Team (SACT)

Its purpose is to maintain a forum for the communication and coordination among prevention, intervention and treatment providers in the City of Woonsocket.

• Provide professional development trainings based on trainings needs assessments of SACT providers that include -
  • Psychobiology of Trauma and Addiction
  • Gambling Addiction
  • Youth Violence
  • Racism
  • Inhalants
  • Ethics and Confidentiality
  • Methamphetamine
  • Prescription and Over-the-Counter Drug Abuse
  • Children of Alcoholics
  • Grief and Substance Abuse
  • Understanding Hispanic Cultures
  • The Mind Heals
  • Internet Safety
• Develop and distribute a Substance Abuse Provider Matrix as a referal source for the community
• Collaborations with faith-based community and parent organizations to provide workshops and training opportunities
• Participate in information dissemination opportunities such as health fairs and community events
  
  

Youth Committee: Objective 8 Youth Leadership Program

Its purpose is to assist youth in being alcohol, tobacco and other drug free by providing healthy alternative activities, while providing youth with prevention-related information and education. Although we provide presentations and workshops for elementary students as part of community partnerships, our youth program is mainly focused on High School and Middle School aged youth. The middle school program is activity driven while our high school program is focused on advocacy and leadership training.

• Youth Groups run by the WPC as part of Objective 8
  • ALPHA Team- Planning and Implementation Group
  • SADD - Students Against Dangerous Decisions
  • VAASA - Varsity Athletes Against Substance Abuse
  • LTBB - Lions, Tigers and Bears Beware!
  
  
• Activities and Events
  • Post Graduation Overnight Lock-In Party for high school seniors
  • Woonsocket High School partnership for community service credits
  • National Kick-Butts Day Kickball Tournament
  • National World No-Tobacco Day Event


• Youth projects through partnerships with other community agencies
  • Team Spirit 3 Day Conference and Mocktail Competition -MADD RI
  • Expanded Learning Opportunity Project (ELO) through Riverzedge Arts Project, Woonsocket High School and Woonsocket Area Career and Technical Center
  • Adventure Camp 3 Day team-building boot camp - NeighborWorks Blackstone River Valley and Army National Guard
  • MLK DAY Non-Violence Celebration - NeighborWorks Blackstone River Valley
  • LTBB 6 Week Program at Coleman Elementary - Connecting for Children and Families
  • Thunderkids Anti-Bullying Program - Thundermist Health Center
  
  
• Ongoing Initiatives:
  • Increase visibility of positive youth culture through media campaigns, events and trainings
  • Train youth to participate in enforcement checks on Alcohol and Tobacco sales to minors with the Woonsocket Police Department
  • Operation Storefront and GIS mapping of alcohol outlets, drug paraphernalia and emerging tobacco products
  • Support Underage Drinking initiatives through activities like Safe & Sober Tuxedo Pocket prom cards, MADD Candlelight Vigil and school presentations
  • "Hello Neighbor" Cookout and Movie Night event to address community safety, non-violence and tipline awareness
  • Media literacy and youth advocacy training