On Wednesday, the Massena Drug Free Community Coalition hosted a Town Hall meeting entitled “Take Back Our Community”. More than 200 people were in attendance and heard presentation from a panel including Coalition Coordinator Felicia Neahr, Assistant US Attorney Richard Southwick, Chief of Police Mark LaBrake and myself.
A valuable part of the meeting was hearing from many citizens that are dealing with the drug issue first hand. Numerous attendees expressed frustrations with the lack of access to treatment. Several citizens expressed disappointment with the perceived lack of action by law enforcement. Many expressed the challenges of addiction and the many hurdles an addict faces.
To every citizen that spoke, the members of the Coalition heard you. I heard you. Your concerns are my concerns.
The Drug Free Coalition is committed to dealing with the problem of illegal drug use in our community and we pledge to do all that we can to improve this community.
We know we must prevent people from turning to illegal drugs, provide adequate treatment for those that do and hold those that’re responsible for bringing illegal drugs here accountable.
We can’t do it alone and we urge you to join our efforts, either directly or indirectly.
The Coalition meets the fourth Tuesday of the Month at 2:00 p.m. at the Town Hall Building – Room 30.
For more information, contact our Coalition Coordinator Felicia Neahr at fneahr@svpc.net or stop by my office at the Town Hall Building.
Help us implement sustainable prevention strategies that will reduce and prevent substance abuse.