EASTHAMPTON – Leaders of the Easthampton Healthy Youth Coalition want to clarify their mission by meeting with members of the community. “There was some confusion this spring on social media about what we actually do, especially regarding alcohol policy work,” the coalition’s chair, Cherry Sullivan, said in a statement. “So we were eager to create a format where we can speak directly to people and address any questions.”
That happens Thursday at 5:30 p.m. at the Easthampton High School café commons area.
The session will start with pizza and an open forum. Organizers say anyone is welcome to learn more about the coalition’s goals and mission, ask questions and speak to coalition leaders. They include the superintendent of schools and representatives of the Northwestern district attorney’s office and local police.
There will be a presentation by the high school’s Students Against Destructive Decisions chapter on a survey conducted about teen use of e-cigarettes, including flavored e-cigs. This will be followed by a presentation on marijuana and teens.
Participants will be invited to join roundtable discussions.
“We are hearing from parents that they want to know more about e-cigarettes and marijuana and want clarification on how these substances affect their kids,” said Gail Canon, a committee member. “We want to create a space for people to learn more about the role parents and community members have in supfporting healthy youth.”
Childcare will be available but registration is required by emailing to coalition@epsd.us.
The coalition is a partnership that seeks to foster youth leadership, family engagement and community investment. Its main mission is substance abuse prevention and healthy decision making for Easthampton youth.
For information, visit www.easthamptoncoalition.org.