FY 2004 Continuation Drug-Free Communities Support Program

The Lexington Public Schools is the fiscal agent for the Health Protection Advisory Council (HPAC) Coalition. The coalition serves Lexington, Massachusetts, a suburban community in Middlesex County that is part of the Greater Boston Metropolitan area. The coalition serves approximately 32,000 residents, with 6,162 students in grades K-12. The goals of the HPAC Coalition are to reduce substance abuse among youth and to increase collaboration within the community. To achieve these goals, the coalition will implement the following strategies:
1) support student mentoring and intervention including Leadership in Action, a course for juniors and seniors designed to engage students in peer education;
2) increase the perception of the harmful effects of alcohol, tobacco, and other drugs by providing substance abuse prevention classes for fifth graders taught by middle and high school students;
3) sponsor substance-free social activities for youth;
4) provide parent education that addresses stress reduction, preventing substance use, and encouraging communication;
5) facilitate "dialogue nights" and professional development workshops for open communication between youth and adults on sensitive topics; and
7) increase citizen and multi-sector membership and collaboration.
CA/NCF