Submitted by Bedford Youth and Family Services
November has been recognized as Substance Abuse Awareness Month in Bedford since 1998. Our hope is to enhance community awareness of alcohol, tobacco, and other drug problems that may exist among children, adolescents, and adults. As the effects of substance abuse are felt by the whole community and need to be addressed by the whole community, we hope to mobilize citizens, community agencies, schools, religious organizations, businesses, and health facilities to work together for education and prevention.
During the next month, look for a variety of opportunities to familiarize yourself with the current issues related to substance abuse in the community. Some places to look include Bedford Youth and Family Services website www.bedfordma.gov/youth (under Prevention Services, click on the link that says prevention related issues). Articles will provide information about the latest trends, how to help keep our youth healthy, and about The Great American Smoke Out on November 16th.
Bedford Youth and Family Services’ bulletin boards at both the middle and high school will have displays on smoking to coincide with the 40th Great American Smoke Out campaign held nationwide on November 16th. This is the day that smokers are encouraged to stop smoking even if they have tried to quit before or decided they are not ready to quit entirely. Students will be offered information about the dangers of smoking and vaping or use of e-cigarettes as well as ways to support smokers in their efforts to quit or cut down.
Pamphlets on a wide range of topics are always available at the Bedford Youth and Family Services office at Town Center building, 12 Mudge Way, second floor. Stop by or call us at 781-275-7727 Monday-Friday 8:00 am – 4:00 pm. You can also check out the Youth and Family Services website for more information as well as the 2016 Youth Risk Behavior Survey (YRBS) results. Take our Mental Health Screening or the Alcohol Screening and find out about your habits and how they may affect your health. Go to the Bedford Youth and Family Services website www.bedfordma.gov/youth and look under the “youth risk behavior survey” for the 2016 YRBS results or “screenings” section to assess your own use or concerns.
The Bedford community is fortunate to have information and support available for its residents about substance use and abuse. Please take advantage of the opportunities to learn about what is going on and to access information that can help you to have a safe life.
For more information call Prevention Services Coordinator Jessica Wildfong at 781-275-7727 ext. 262 or email [email protected] .
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