Saugus pushes back against drug abuse

SAUGUS – It?s important for students to prevent drug use and abuse at a young age. But to do that, funds must be available to educate children in the health and wellness areas.Saugus Anti-Drug Coalition (SADC) received a $25,000 State Farm grant two years ago and has put that money to good use by presenting separate checks in the amount of $2,375.65 to Oaklandvale, Lynnhurst, Waybright and Veterans Memorial elementary schools; $6,449.28 to Saugus High; and $2,800 to Revere health/wellness teacher Peter DiGuilio, who has spoken at the Saugus schools, for the purpose of purchasing a health and wellness curriculum.Dawn Gaffney, a member of Saugus Anti-Drug Coalition, said the remaining portion of the $25,000 grant is to raise awareness for Narcan training, Founder?s Day outreach and educating youth about the dangers of drugs.?Saugus is sorely lacking in a health and wellness curriculum,” said Gaffney. “We want kids to make the right choices while they?re still young.”Gaffney is involved because her friend, Pat Hashen, 48, died of an overdose. He was the father of her son, Pat Hashan Jr.The group “is a proactive movement dedicated to breaking the silence, presenting hope and educating families ? in the Saugus community who are struggling with addiction. Our goal is to change the perception of addiction while informing and educating our children through a comprehensive K-12 preventative program,” according to its mission statement.Nicole Carter, SADC member, has legal custody for her 10-year-old niece, Ava, 10, whose parents struggle with addiction.Ava Carter said she believes the donation is important so that other children don?t have to experience what she is going through.?I want kids to know that when they grow up, it?s not good to do drugs,” she said. “It?s better for them to know that now than to try to get off of them when they get older.”Carter wants children to know they?re not alone and many parents are drug addicts..Nicole Carter said the donation is to ensure there is an anti-drug program in place for the younger generation.?We don?t want students to be in high school and all of a sudden hear why they shouldn?t use drugs,” Nicole Carter said. “It should be part of their daily life.”School Committee member Jeannie Meredith noted to be forewarned is to be forearmed.?Children understand to say no, but they don?t always know why,” Meredith said. “We need to educate them on the dangers now, which is much more powerful than when they?re a teenager. Our ultimate goal is to prevent them from ever picking up and using drugs.”Meredith said the schools were receptive to the donations, especially during budget constraints.Besides advocating for education funding, it hosts support groups for victims and families.SADC holds Narcan trainings on the third Monday of every month from 5:30 to 6:30 p.m. at the First United Congregational Church, 300 Central St., and a Grief Recovery After Substance Passing meeting the 3rd Thursday of the month from 6:30 to 8 p.m. at Marleah Elizabeth Graves Foundation (MEG) – 8 Essex St.Janice Jarosz, of the MEG Foundation, accepted the checks on SADC?s behalf.?The best weapon we have against illegal drug use is education. Without it, our children are defenseless,” Jarosz said.Along with education comes support groups.?Addiction touches every family on some level whether they are willing to admit this or not,” Gaffney said. “The stigma associated with addiction prevents many from seeking the treatment and support they need.”Visit their Facebook page for information, education, treatment support or to get involved.Tara Vocino may be reached at [email protected].