Submitted by Laura Shipman, HKYFS.
What is the Healthy Communities Healthy Kids Coalition? A group of community members formed this coalition (formerly the Prevention Council) in 1993 in response to the growing concern about the number of Haddam and Killingworth youth using and abusing alcohol and other drugs. A collaborative effort enhances and strengthens the process of identifying and addressing areas of concern
Why was it created? The towns of Haddam and Killingworth struggle with youth substance abuse. This continues to be an issue with all communities nationwide. The Healthy Communities-Healthy Kids (HC-HK) Coalition seeks to prevent and reduce substance abuse. The Coalition meets monthly and has had several working meetings where members break into small groups to analyze the local and national data, prioritize areas of concern and plan how they hope to address these areas.
Who is involved? Representatives from all 12 sectors of the community are involved in coalition activities. They include youth; parents; the business community; media; school; youth serving organizations; law enforcement agencies; religious or fraternal organizations; civic and volunteer groups; healthcare professionals; state or local agencies with expertise in the field of substance abuse; and other organizations involved in reducing substance abuse.
Interested in joining, contact Lindsey Lehet at 860-345-7498 ext. 3 or Preventioncoordinator@hkyfs.org
