ABSATF News

July 21, 2016

Our Inaugural Fundraising Event

The ABSATF would like to extend a large and sincere thank you to our colleagues, families, friends, and sponsors. Because of your support, the ABSATF had a successful Inaugural Fundraising Event and met 80% of its fundraising goal! Your willingness to help prevent substance use and abuse in our community makes all the difference for youth that live in and/or attend school in Allston-Brighton.

We have another busy year ahead of us and your donation will help us to:

Foster advocacy skills in our Youth Coalition as they continue creating and providing peer-to-peer substance abuse prevention workshops for Allston-Brighton youth.
Continue to bring positive healthy messaging, such as participation in the national Above the Influence art project that will be displayed around the Allston-Brighton community.
Partner with Boston Public Health Commission to lead prescription drug abuse, alcohol, and other City of Boston drug prevention strategies in our community.
Partner with Boston Police Station D-14 to continue underage drinking prevention strategies.
Promote healthy lifestyles for youth through community partnerships including Road to the Right Track.
Host community education forums in Fall 2016 and Spring 2017.

The event, hosted by Brighton Marine Health Center, was a huge success. There were over 100 people in attendance including many state and local legislators. Legislators in attendance included Representative Kevin Honan, City Councilor Mark Ciommo, Senator William Brownsberger and Councilor Michael Flaherty. Police Commissioner William B. Evans was also in attendance as the event’s guest speaker. He introduced Deirdre Houtmeyers (CEO & President of St. Mary’s Center for Women and Children and Co-Founder of the ABSATF) as the honoree, and spoke about her achievements and involvement in the community. Deirdre received citations from the House of Representatives (State Representative Michael Moran), Boston City Council (Councilor Mark Ciommo), Senator William Brownsberger, and Representative Kevin Honan.

If you would like to become a part of the ABSATF or make a donation to the ABSATF please contact Helen Connolly at 617-789-3279 or Helen.Connolly@steward.org.

Sincerely,
Helen Connolly
Director, ABSATF

Thank you again to our generous sponsors:

Major Sponsors Brighton Marine Health Center St. Elizabeth’s Medical Center Gold Sponsors Boston University The Hamilton Charitable Foundation Harvard Business School Silver Sponsors Addiction Treatment Center of New England Boston College Neighborhood Center Mintz, Levin, Cohn, Ferris, Glovsky & Popeo, P.C. MOAR Nutter, McClennen & Fish, LLP Simmons College	Bronze Sponsors Boston Police Athletic League Franciscan Children’s Hospital The Haughey Company Friend Sponsors ABCD Brian J. Honan Charitable Fund Boston City Councilor Mark Ciommo Boston College Charles River Community Health Inc. Peter Connolly Gavin Foundation Granada House Jackson Mann Community Center Jerry Quinn Rockland Trust Joe and Debbie Walsh
Top row left to right: Deb Larson, Rep. Kevin Honan, Senator William Brownsberger, Councilor Michael Flaherty, and Councilor Mark Ciommo. Bottom row left to right: Maria DiChiappari, Helen Connolly, Deirdre Houtmeyers, Police Commissioner William B. Evans, and Elizabeth Leary.
Fundraising Event Honoree, Deirdre Houtmeyers (President & CEO, St. Mary's Center for Women and	Left to right: Frank Hughes (BPD D-14 Community Service Office), Youth Coalition member Andrew Wong, and Sergeant Shawn Burns (BPD D-14).

The ABSATF Youth Coalition is determined to make a positive impact on the health of Allston-Brighton youth.

Call to Action: Sign the Petition to Ban Alcohol Ads on City of Boston Property

The ABSATF Youth Coalition is made up of high school students who either live or go to school in Allston-Brighton. The coalition was part of a group that raised awareness of alcohol ads effects on teens, thus leading to a ban of alcohol advertising on MBTA property in 2012. The group continues its awareness efforts and hopes to effect a ban on alcohol advertising on City of Boston property, including bus shelters, trash/recycling bins and street furniture.

The Youth Coalition is advocating for a ban of alcohol advertisements on city property because advertising placement in youth-dominated areas negatively affects the health of youth by increasing underage drinking. Consider these facts:

Research shows that greater exposure to alcohol advertising is associated with increased drinking in underage youths. One study showed, “each additional advertisement seen [above the monthly average of 22.7] increased the number of drinks consumed”1
The cost of underage drinking in Massachusetts was approximately 1.4 billion dollars in 20102
There are inordinately high rates of outdoor alcohol advertising in neighborhoods of color. Consequently, youth of color are exposed to images of alcohol and alcohol-related behaviors in their communities on a daily basis from.3

Help the Youth Coalition by signing the petition to ban alcohol advertisements on City of Boston property. Please email a signed copy of the letter to Liz Parsons at elizabeth.parsons@steward.org or send a hard copy of the signed letter to Liz Parsons, ABSATF Youth Coalition, 77 Warren Street, Building 1, Brighton, MA, 02135.

1. L.B. Snyder, F.F. Milici, M. Slater, H. Sun, and Y. Strizhakova, “Effects of Alcohol Advertising Exposure on Drinking Among Youth,” Archives of Pediatrics and Adolescent Medicine 160 (2006): 18-24.
2. Pacific Institute for Research and Evaluation. Underage drinking in Massachusetts: the facts. Available at: http://www.udetc.org/factsheets/MA.pdf. Accessed July 22, 2014.
3. Alaniz M. Alcohol availability and targeted advertising in racial/ethnic communities. Alcohol Health Res World.1998;22:286-289.

Inaugural Annual Fundraiser

For more than a decade, the Allston-Brighton Substance Abuse Task Force (ABSATF) has worked to maintain a safe, vibrant community in which to live and do business. Our coalition of business and community members is a recognized community resource and a leader in tackling critical issues, such as underage drinking and prescription drug abuse.

On Tuesday, June 21, ABSATF will hold its inaugural Annual Fundraiser at Brighton Marine Health Center from 6:00 – 8:00 p.m.

The Honorary Event Committee includes Boston Police Commissioner William Evans, State Senator William Brownsberger, City Councilor Mark Ciommo, City Councilor Anissa Essaibi-George, City Councilor Michael Flaherty, City Councilor Michael Flaherty, State Representative Kevin Honan, State Representative Michael Moran, City Councilor Ayanna Pressley, and City Council President Michelle Wu.

We are asking you to support our mission to prevent substance use and abuse in our community by sponsoring this event. Your support is an investment in the Allston-Brighton community that will continue to pay off long into the future.

Platinum: $5,000- Includes all of the below and four tickets. Donor will also be listed as a sponsor for the Walk for Recovery in Fall 2016. Sponsor will be recognized from podium.

Gold: $2,500- Includes all of the below and four tickets.

Silver: $1,000- Includes all of the below and two tickets. Donor may give materials to ABSATF to distribute at the event (brochures, marketing giveaways).

Bronze: $500- Includes all of the below plus recognition at the event and two tickets.

Friend: $250- Includes business or individual name in event publicity and two tickets.

Please make check payable to ABSATF and return to Helen Connolly, Director, ABSATF at 77 Warren Street, Brighton MA 02135.

To provide sponsorship with a credit card, please visit our Eventbrite page at: www.eventbrite.com

Please contact ABSATF Director, Helen Connolly at 617-789-2967 or helen.connolly@steward.org with questions.

Youth Coalition Writes Letter to Support MBTA Chairman's Opposition to Lift Alcohol Advertisement Ban on MBTA

Local Parents Laud Benefits of AB Youth Coalition

When parents of ABSATF Youth Coalition members were asked what changes they had noticed in their sons and daughters, we found that the benefits of participating in the Youth Coalition went well beyond knowing the science of addiction.

The parents of a rising sophomore said, "He seems to recognize the power of working on a team to tackle a common problem among young people."

Forum Brings Together Adults, Youth to Learn Substance Abuse Prevention Strategies

The Allston Brighton Substance Abuse Task Force (ABSATF) recently hosted a free community forum titled “The Unbiased Truth: Facts about Marijuana, Alcohol & Opioids” with presenter Kevin Hill, MD, MHS, an addiction psychiatrist and clinical researcher at McLean Hospital.

Nearly 40 parents, teachers, school staff, and youth attended the forum held at the Josephine A. Fiorentino Community Center in Brighton. Dr. Hill dispelled popular myths about marijuana, alcohol and opioids and outlined signs that could indicate a young person is using alcohol or other drugs. Laurie Jo Wallace of Health Resources in Action (HRiA) discussed successful strategies to use when talking with youth about drugs and alcohol. There was an interactive activity in which the audience took turns role playing these conversations. Wallace emphasized that adults need to listen and be empathetic but also set boundaries for young people.

Eight youth ages 7 to 15 attended a peer workshop that ran simultaneously. Two members of the ABSATF Youth Coalition, Andrew Wong and Joseph Rowland, led the group in a series of interactive activities geared toward “How to Help a Friend,” through various situations such as depression, bullying and what to do when offered drugs.

“Hosting an event that had relevant content for both adults and youth at the same time in the same location was a key to its success,” said Liz Parsons, ABSATF community coordinator. “We hope to structure more workshops like this one, and we’re grateful to Charlesview for providing the space where we could gather to discuss these important topics in our community.”

This event was sponsored by the Allston-Brighton Substance Abuse Task Force, MA Bureau for Substance Abuse Services, and Charlesview, Inc.

Allston-Brighton Substance Abuse Task Force to Host Forum on Youth Substance Abuse Prevention
Free Community Event Will Help Parents, Educators and Professionals who work with Youth

The Allston Brighton Substance Abuse Task Force will host a free community forum titled “The Unbiased Truth: Facts about Marijuana, Alcohol & Opioids” with presenter Kevin Hill, MD, MHS, an addiction psychiatrist and clinical researcher at McLean Hospital. The forum will take place on Wednesday, April 29, 2015, from 6:00 to 8:00 p.m. at the Charlesview Community Center at 123 Antwerp Street in Allston.

The forum will benefit those who have direct contact with youth – parents, teachers, school administrators and staff and other professionals in youth-oriented roles. Dr. Hill will dispel popular myths about marijuana, alcohol and opioids and outline signs that may indicate a young person is using drugs and/or alcohol. Participants will learn strategies to talk with youth about drugs and alcohol and understand treatment options for youth who use alcohol and drugs.

The event includes a light dinner. Interpretation services are available if needed. Youth ages 11 to 18 are invited to attend a peer workshop that runs simultaneously. To register, please visit www.abdrugfree.org. Registration must be received by April 24 if interpretation services are required.

Dr. Hill is an addiction psychiatrist conducting clinical research aimed at developing medications and behavioral interventions that might help those who want to stop smoking marijuana or cigarettes. He earned a Masters in Health Science from the Robert Wood Johnson Clinical Scholars Program at Yale University and has published on numerous topics in addiction. Recently, Dr. Hill has spoken nationally and appeared on television on the topics of marijuana policy and treatment, offering a balanced, evidence-based stance on these issues. His book, Marijuana: The Unbiased Truth about the World’s Most Popular Weed, was released by Hazelden Publishing in March 2015.

Event Details
The Unbiased Truth: Facts about Marijuana, Alcohol & Opioids
Who: Kevin Hill, MD, MHS, addiction psychiatrist and clinical researcher at McLean Hospital
What: A Forum for Parents, Educators and Professionals Who Work with Youth
Date: Wednesday, April 29, 2015
Time: 6:00 – 8:00 p.m.
Location: Charlesview Community Center, 123 Antwerp Street, Allston
Cost: Free (includes light dinner and interpretation services if needed)
Registration: www.abdrugfree.org
Contact: Liz Parsons, ABSATF, elizabeth.parsons@steward.org or 617-789-2140

This event is sponsored by the Allston-Brighton Substance Abuse Task Force, St. Elizabeth’s Medical Center and Charlesview, Inc.

Allston-Brighton Youth Coalition Tackles Opiate Abuse Epidemic with Peer-to-Peer Workshops
March 23, 2015

Allston-Brighton youth are reaching out to peers throughout the community to raise awareness of and provide strategies to prevent prescription drug abuse, often the starting point for opiate addiction, a widespread issue nationwide. While the Allston-Brighton Substance Abuse Force’s (ABSATF) Youth Coalition has worked on similar issues for years, this is the first time the group has created workshops that give them direct access to youth in the community.

The ABSATF Youth Coalition recently led their fifth community workshop on prescription drug prevention for Allston-Brighton youth. Over the past few months, the Youth Coalition has presented the interactive, 45-minute workshop they created at three different sites, including the Charlesview Residences, Faneuil Gardens, and most recently at the Road to the Right Track, a youth program led by the Boston Police Department D-14 that combines track workouts with health and wellness discussions while providing civic engagement opportunities with the police department.

"By creating and leading the workshop, our Youth Coalition members serve as credible resources and role models to their peers—making the content even more accessible to the youth participants," said Elizabeth Parsons, ABSATF community coordinator.

In these workshops, ABSATF Youth Coalition members discuss the definition and statistics of prescription drug abuse and talk about ways to prevent it. The Youth Coalition begins by presenting photos of people potentially addicted to prescription drugs in an effort to break down stereotypes of what a person with a substance use disorder looks like. By breaking down myths and imparting facts, the Youth Coalition helps their younger peers to understand that addiction is a disease. The Youth Coalition has found that the small group workshops help participants to feel comfortable which fosters authentic conversations.

The Youth Coalition created the prescription drug prevention workshop which is aimed mainly at middle school aged students. The Boston Public Health Commission provided content training as well as a Partnership for Success grant to support the workshop. Health Resources in Action helped the Youth Coalition learn facilitation and public speaking techniques as well as strategies to help them create the workshop. The result is an interactive workshop session that engages the young audience with visuals, questions and a game. An evaluation is done near the end of the workshop to gauge participants’ knowledge after the presentation. The Youth Coalition has found that after the workshop, participants understand the definition of prescription drug misuse and can identify what can happen when prescription drugs are misused.

"Leading the prescription drug workshops and spreading awareness of this issue to peers is important to me," said Julia, a Youth Coalition member. "My goal is to empower other youth so they can understand what's going on around them, make healthy decisions and know there is support if they need it."

The Youth Coalition is creating additional workshops for this spring that will focus on preventing marijuana use while encouraging principles of the Above the Influence national campaign, including stress management and peer support. The Youth Coalition is seeking additional community partners to host these workshops. Please contact Elizabeth Parsons at abyouthcoalition@gmail.com or 617-789-2140. Pizza is supplied as an incentive for attendees.

Youth Coalition Works to Ban Alcohol Ads on City Property
January 12, 2015

The Youth Coalition has worked ardently to gather support for a ban on alcohol advertising on City of Boston property. Trained in media advocacy, media literacy and photo voice, the Youth Coalition documented alcohol ads in the City in July 2013 and then completed a photo voice project, combining photography with narratives, to demonstrate the ads’ effects on youth. To date they have gathered 250 individual signatures and the support of more than 30 community organizations on their petition. They recently met with a liaison to Mayor Martin Walsh and an aide to City Councilor Mark Ciommo. The next step is to meet with members of the Mayor’s Cabinet. Read the petition here.

ABSATF Shares Strategies with City Connects
December 16, 2014

Helen Connolly, ABSATF program director, and Liz Parsons, ABSATF community coordinator, were panelists earlier this month at a forum discussing prevention strategies and programming for 40 City Connects coordinators who work with students in K-8 in the Boston Public Schools and Catholic schools in Boston. City Connects coordinators link students with health and wellness services. The forum gave them the opportunity to learn about ABSATF, substance abuse concerns in the community, and successful programs and strategies that City Connects coordinators can utilize.

Happy Holidays from the Allston - Brighton Substance Abuse Task Force
December 12, 2014

Celebrate the holidays safely with our top 5 tips

ABSATF Youth Coalition Works toward Alcohol Ad Ban on City Property

The Allston-Brighton Substance Abuse Task Force (ABSATF) Youth Coalition is building awareness of the effects of alcohol advertising on youth and working to gain support for a ban on alcohol advertising on City of Boston property. The ban would include bus shelters, trash/recycling bins and street furniture, among other city property.

Research shows that greater exposure to alcohol advertising is associated with increased drinking in underage youths. One study showed, “each additional advertisement seen [above the monthly average of 22.7] increased the number of drinks consumed"1
The cost of underage drinking in Massachusetts was approximately 1.4 billion dollars in 20102
There are inordinately high rates of outdoor alcohol advertising in neighborhoods of color. Consequently, youth of color are exposed to images of alcohol and alcohol-related behaviors in their communities on a daily basis from.3

Help the Youth Coalition by signing the petition to ban alcohol advertisements on City of Boston property. Please email a signed copy of the letter to Liz Parsons at elizabeth.parsons@steward.org or send a hard copy of the signed letter to Liz Parsons, ABSATF Youth Coalition, 77 Warren Street, Building 1, Brighton, MA, 02135.

1. L.B. Snyder, F.F. Milici, M. Slater, H. Sun, and Y. Strizhakova, “Effects of Alcohol Advertising Exposure on Drinking Among Youth,” Archives of Pediatrics and Adolescent Medicine 160 (2006): 18-24.
2. Pacific Institute for Research and Evaluation. Underage drinking in Massachusetts: the facts. Available at: http://www.udetc.org/factsheets/MA.pdf. Accessed July 22, 2014.
3. Alaniz M. Alcohol availability and targeted advertising in racial/ethnic communities. Alcohol Health Res World.1998;22:286-289.

Ado Jean (seated), Haley Grygiel (left) and Schuyler Grygiel (right), work to get community members in Brighton Center to sign their petition to Mayor Walsh to ban alcohol advertisements on city property.

ABSATF, Community Celebrate 11th Annual Walk for Recovery
Tuesday, September 30, 2014

Participants at the 11th Annual Walk for Recovery enjoyed a beautiful sunny morning at Herter-Artesani Park in Brighton. Before setting off on the 5K course along the Charles River, more than 200 participants from the greater Boston area chatted with friends, met with local legislators, and listened to inspiring stories of recovery from several recovery homes, including Granada House, Hope House, and Gavin House.

After thanking ABSATF for hosting the Walk and acknowledging that we were one of the first neighborhoods to do so, guest speaker Boston Mayor Martin Walsh spoke passionately about the importance of recovery services in the city, especially in the wake of the current prescription drug abuse crisis, and the need to remove stigma around addiction and recovery. Mayor Walsh also thanked the Allston-Brighton Youth Coalition for ongoing efforts to ban alcohol advertising on City of Boston property, an initiative that he supports. Other guest speakers included Will Luzier, executive director, Interagency Council on Substance Abuse and Prevention and Maryanne Frangules, executive director, Massachusetts Organization for Addiction Recovery.

ABSATF would like to thank all 2014 Walk for Recovery sponsors. As the Task Force’s federal grant money has come to an end, ABSATF now relies on private and corporate donations to continue the progress it has made since 2008 in the area of substance abuse prevention.

2014 Walk for Recovery sponsors:

Boston College
Brighton Marine Health Center
Addiction Treatment Center of New England
Granada House
Boston Police Athletic League
Suffolk County Sheriff Steve Tompkins
State Representative Michael J. Moran
St. Elizabeth's Medical Center
Peoples Federal Savings Bank
Gavin Foundation
Massachusetts Organization for Addiction Recovery
Joseph M. Smith Community Health Center
The Brian J. Honan Charitable Fund
Mt. Washington Bank, a Division of East Boston Savings Bank
Mark Ciommo, Allston-Brighton District City Councilor
Prime Realty Group
Houghton Chemical

Walk for Recovery in-kind donors:

3 Scoops Ice Cream
Abbott's
Bangkok Bistro
Centre Salon
Mandy and Joe’s Deli
Newton Emblem Club
Oak Square Dunkin Donuts
Oak Square YMCA
Sam's Alterations
Starbucks
Stockyard Restaurant
Stone Hearth Pizza
Treats on Washington

ABSATF Asks Community to Clean Out Its Medicine Cabinets
Saturday, September 27, is National Take Back Day

National Take Back Days emphasize Safe Medication Collection and serve as a reminder to dispose of unwanted or expired medication. Properly disposing of medication helps keep it out of the hands of our youth while ensuring that its disposal is not harmful to the environment. Fortunately there are several permanent collection kiosks in the City of Boston, including one in Brighton.

New Wellness and Prevention Services Director Named – BU
Jul 07, 2014

Allston-Brighton Task Force gives local teens an escape through art
Jun 12, 2014

Allston-Brighton Businesses and Organizations Support Youth Coalition Art Project
Jun 04, 2014

Allston-Brighton Youth Coalition Expresses Healthy Influences through Art Project

ABSATF Releases 2014 Annual Report
May 15, 2014

For more than a decade the Allston-Brighton Substance Abuse Task Force has been a leader in this community of about 75,000 people. Our work is cut out for us as we seek to reach those as young as elementary school students and as mature as the grandparents who help to raise them. We have a range of cultures and languages in our community, and the Task Force is working to expand its reach to ensure that everyone benefits and is included in our efforts. The past year was a busy one, and the next 12 months promise to be just as exciting as we continue our work on underage drinking prevention while facing the challenges of medical marijuana dispensaries and an epidemic of opiate and prescription drug abuse. To learn more about how ABSATF is working to prevent substance use and abuse in our community, please read our annual report.

National Drug Take-Back Day is Saturday,
Apr 26, 2014

drug-collection-unit_page

Allston-Brighton Youth Coalition Expresses Healthy Influences through Art Project
Apr 16, 2014

Allston-Brighton Youth Coalition Expresses Healthy Influences through Art Project

Youth Coalition Builds Awareness of Alcohol Ads' Effects on Youth
Feb 26, 2014

ABSATF Youth Coalition members Julia Roberto, Madeline Montgomery, Michelle Ng, and Joseph Rowland delivered a presentation about the effects of alcohol ads on youth. Liaisons from the offices of Mayor Marty Walsh, State Representative Kevin Honan and City Councilor Mark Ciommo as well as Michael Dwyer, executive director of the Brighton Marine Health Center, attended the presentation.

Road to the Right Track fitness, health program for Allston-Brighton youth to mark first year, Feb 10, 2014

Boston Public Health Commission - Health Advisory - HEROIN CONTAMINATED WITH FENTANYL

It’s National Drug Facts Week!
Monday, Jan 27, 2014

Read our newsletter for resources to shatter the myths about drugs and addiction.

Youth Coalition Performs “Shoulder Tap” in Chinatown

Youth Coalition members recently completed an underage drinking awareness event at liquor stores in Chinatown. During a “Shoulder Tap” students visit a neighborhood other than Allston-Brighton (to lessen the chances of being recognized by friends, etc.) and solicit passersby for alcohol outside of liquor stores. If the adult refuses to buy it for them, students give them cards to commend them on doing the right thing while also listing penalties for supplying alcohol to minors. If someone does agree to buying alcohol, they receive a “thumbs down” card which also has the penalties. The Youth Coalition is accompanied by members of ABSATF as well as a Boston police officer during these activities.
http://sampan.org/2013/12/teens-mobilize-for-underage-drinking-awareness/

ABSATF Offers Tips for Keeping Youth Safe and Sober During Holidays
December 10, 2013

The abundance of holiday parties often means more opportunities to use drugs and alcohol. Not surprisingly, the increase in drug and alcohol-related tragedies is at least 50 percent during the holiday season. As a parent, you need to be on the lookout for potential situations that may endanger your child. Talk with them about why it’s a good idea to stay away from drugs and alcohol. And most importantly, be a role model of the behavior you would like to see in your children. The Allston-Brighton Substance Abuse Task Force has tips and recipes to make sure your holidays stay safe and healthy. Please see our holiday brochure.

Youth Coalition Celebrates Above the Influence Day
October 22, 2013

The ABSATF Youth Coalition celebrated Above the Influence Day on October 17 by sharing photos of the ATI symbol drawn on their hands and arms on social media sites. Aquilt depicting the students' positive influences, such as sports, family, friends and religion, will hang in the Oak Square YMCA this weekend during the Oak Scare (Halloween-themed) event for families.

Fall 2013 Newsletter: National Drug Prevention Month
October 17, 2013

http://us2.campaign-archive1.com/?u=d8d001b3c1940e581b0b01b90&id=47c8704d1d

ABSATF Celebrates National Drug Prevention Month
October 15, 2013

The Allston-Brighton Substance Abuse Task Force is recognizing National Drug Prevention Month with continued promotion of its "What's in Your Medicine Cabinet?" campaign first started in 2011. This fall ABSATF will have bill boards in three locations throughout Allston-Brighton to advertise the permanent kiosks that are available 24/7 for anyone who wants to drop off unwanted medications. Kiosks are located in communities throughout Massachusetts, including one at the Brighton Police Department, D-14, at 301 Washington Street in Brighton. Drop-offs are free, anonymous, environmentally friendly and accessible 24/7. National Take Back Day is October 26th--why not celebrate by cleaning out your medicine cabinet and bringing unwanted medication to the kiosk?

ABSATF Celebrates another Successful Walk for Recovery
September 24, 2013

The Allston-Brighton Substance Abuse Task Force would like to thank everyone who came out for the 10th Annual Walk for Recovery, held on Saturday, September 21, at Artesani Herter Park in Brighton. We also would like to thank our sponsors, including Dunk in Donuts of Oak Square which has provided refreshments for this and past events. We're also incredibly thankful to the Boston College Neighborhood Fund for providing us with a grant to fund the Walk for Recovery. Congratulations to Tim Burke, CEO of the Addiction Treatment Center of New England, who was recognized for his commitment to recovery at this year's Walk for Recovery. As a charter member of ABSATF, Burke started the Walk for Recovery ten years ago.We were honored to recognize Burke for his dedication to ABSATF and his service to the recovery community.

Advisory: Walk for Recovery to be held on
September 21st September 18, 2013

https://us2.admin.mailchimp.com/campaigns/show?id=1699357

ABSATF Hosts Forum on Youth Marijuana Use
September 17, 2013

KevinHill, MD, MPH, assistant professor of psychiatry at Harvard Medical School and psychiatrist-in-charge in the Division of Drug and Alcohol Abuse at McLean Hospital, discussed the effects of youth marijuana use in a forum, "IsMarijuanaReallyaProblem?," attended by approximately 50 parents and those who work with youth in Allston-Brighton. The forum was held on September 16 in the Set on Auditorium at St.Elizabeth's Medical Center.

Youth Coalition Continues Alcohol Awareness Campaign
September 10, 2013

The ABSATF Youth Coalition (YC) is currently working to ban alcohol ads on all city of Boston property. The YChas participated in a three-part training by Health Resources in Action (HRiA) on media literacy, photo voice and media advocacy to help with this goal. A sticker shock was completed during college move-in. Approximately 1000 stickers, which reminded consumers that the legal drinking age is 21 and thanking them for not supplying to minors, were placed on cases of beer at two liquor stores in Allston-Brighton.

Want to keep up with the YouthCoalition?

Follow them on Instagram and Twitter@abyouth.

ABSATF Has a New Location
September 3, 2013

We’ve moved! Please note that our new physical location is in the Brighton Marine Building at 77 WarrenStreet, Building1, Floor3, Brighton, MA, 02135, just down the road from our former locationat St.E's. Phone numbers are the same.

Summer 2013 Newsletter: A-B Youth Take to the Track
June 24, 2013

http://us2.campaign-archive2.com/?u=d8d001b3c1940e581b0b01b90&id=ce1e576fdc

Advisory: Safe Medication Collection Event This Month
April 8, 2013

http://us2.campaign-archive2.com/?u=d8d001b3c1940e581b0b01b90&id=0f32a2e80f

December 2012 Newsletter: SAFE-MA Collaborative Celebrates MBTA Alcohol Ban
December 19, 2012

http://us2.campaign-archive1.com/?u=d8d001b3c1940e581b0b01b90&id=0dfec69ba3

September 2012 Newsletter: September is Recovery Month
September 20, 2012

http://us2.campaign-archive1.com/?u=d8d001b3c1940e581b0b01b90&id=94cb8c15bf

Spring 2012 Newsletter: Theatrical Group Brings Prevention Message to Students
June 15, 2012

http://us2.campaign-archive2.com/?u=d8d001b3c1940e581b0b01b90&id=3a0e4dee8f

Advisory: Safe Medication Disposal
on April 28 April 17, 2012

http://us2.campaign-archive2.com/?u=d8d001b3c1940e581b0b01b90&id=762febea0f