NEW Health and NEAD Host Annual Drug Awareness Day for North End Students

North End Waterfront Health (NEW Health) recently held their annual drug awareness day for students and teachers at the Saint John and Eliot Schools.

The aim of the event is to make students aware of the dangers of drugs and alcohol,  and to stress the importance of making good choices. Over 100 sixth, seventh and eighth students attended the event hosted by Saint John School.

The 2-hour program began with an introduction from North End Against Drugs (NEAD) President John Romano and NEW Health Executive Director James Luisi, and consisted of a speaking program featuring members of NEW Health’s substance addiction recovery program.

Event speakers also included Massachusetts State Representative, Aaron Michlewitz; Assistant District Attorney, Greg Hennings; Steven Siciliano of the Suffolk County Probation Office; Boston Police Officer, Teddy Boyle and members of Boston’s undercover drug police squad; and NEW Health physician, Dr. Martha McLoughlin.

Each speaker spoke about the dangers associated with drug and alcohol use from his or her own life or professional perspective, and all made it clear that making good choices matters. The NEW Health recovery group – led by NEW Health recovery coach, Lorraine Fitzgerald – told true stories about their personal struggles with addiction. Other speakers detailed the duties of their jobs in relation to drug and alcohol use.

Following the presentations, the kids were gifted with special bags donated by North End Against Drugs and NEW Health filled with information about staying away from the use of drugs and alcohol. The bags were also filled with various other goodies for the kids.

Special thank you to those in attendance who helped make the day possible: Mary Wright, Zach Goodale, Maria Bova, Luisa Siniscalchi, Ann Fitzgerald and other members of the NEW Health staff and North End Against Drugs board who could not be in attendance.