News & Announcements

Perspectives on Prevention

i Jun 4th by

Each Wednesday at the KYC, we host a substance misuse prevention program.  It’s become a tradition to include a multi-week series titled, Perspectives on Prevention.  Through this program we invite guests from different backgrounds to speak on the topic of prevention.  Community members have been so kind to openly share their perspectives and experiences.  The lessons learned through this program help our students make good choices and help to combat substance misuse.

This year, the Perspectives on Prevention series ran eight weeks.

Week 1: We heard from our own volunteer, Valerie.  Valerie works as a nurse and has experience treating patients in a locked unit.

Week 2: We heard from a local man who is in long-term recovery.  Our guest spoke about the terrible troubles of his addiction, as well as the successes and triumphs of his recovery.

Week 3: We heard from a local man whose daughter struggled with addiction and is now in long-term recovery.  He gave an honest and compelling account of the struggles families go through when a family member is addicted and recovering.

Week 4: We heard from Michelle Peare, LDAC, from White Horse Addiction Center.  Peare spoke about the ways in which trained professional help people in recovery.  She provided insight into the struggles and challenges faced by people who are fighting addiction.

Week 5: We had two guests: Janet Williamson of Huggins Hospitals Emergency Department and Deputy Chief, Tom Zotti of Wolfeboro Fire and Rescue.  The pair provided the emergency response perspective.  They spoke to the dangers of overdoes and other substance-related medical emergencies.  They expressed frustration and sadness, stating that many of the same patients find themselves in repeated emergency situations due to their substance use.

Week 6: We got a crucial perspective from our own high school and middle school students.  Students explained reasons why they think some of their peers make the poor choice to turn to substances.  They explained their tactics for saying ‘no’ and keeping their friends safe.

Week 7: We heard from Chief Dean Rondeau of the Wolfeboro Police Department.  Chief Rondeau provided the law enforcement perspective, speaking to the dangers and legal repercussions of substance use.

Week 8:  We heard from our good friend, Eric Moran, CRSW of White Horse Addiction Center.  He explained how he went from a life of addiction to his current role as the manager of two peer recovery support centers.

Thank you to everyone who provided their perspective!  Here’s a few of the pics!