Community Star Award presented During Addiction Services Week, celebrated across the nation from November 15 - 21, Miramichi Addiction Services presented its Community Star Award to the Partners for a Drug Free Miramichi committee. This award is presented to a person or group who have made a significant contribution to the community. The mandate of the Partners for a Drug Free Miramichi is to raise awareness of the dangers of substance abuse for all members of society, with a focus on youth. Their strategy is to collaborate on the implementation, development and evaluation of programs and materials for the community. The committee is comprised of representatives from various community associations and organisations that include School District 16, Human Resources Development Canada, Department of Public Safety, Eel Ground First Nation, service clubs such as Miramichi Rotary, Kinsmen, Jaycee and Lions’ clubs, Miramichi Police Force, Child Safety Research and Innovation Centre, and Addiction Services. Partners for a Drug Free Miramichi receive award “The committee was honoured with the Community Star Award for their continued dedication to the people of Miramichi in heightening the awareness of substance abuse,” says Cynthia MacDonald, Addiction Services regional manager. She says their work in the community and provision of education to youth helping them make better choices when faced with decisions about taking drugs or alcohol is to be commended. Initiatives implemented by the committee include co-ordinating a visit by a federal inmate who experienced substance abuse to local high school students; organising guest speakers such as George Chuvalvo to address the community and high school students about his fight against drugs; organising a mock disaster at JMH High School in partnership with Teen’s Against Drunk Driving; assisting the MVHS Drag Team; and helping with Safe Grad programs. Future programs the committee is working on include the completion of a developmental assets survey to identify the needs of youth in the community, Walk for Drug Free Miramichi program, development of a community website, and various education sessions for parents, students and the community.     Email this Article   |   Giv'er Atlantic Canada!