Accomplishments in 2015 
- Wake-Up & Wakefield Police hosted Substance Use Disorders Resource & Support event on November 17, 2015. The evening featured regional experts covered understanding the science of addiction, treatment options & resources, post-acute care, long-term recovery support, harm reduction, and family support. The panelists provided advice and one-on-one support for individuals and families.
Wakefield Board of Health updated Tobacco regulations on Oct. 28th 2015. The new regulations will go into effect January 2016 will restrict the sale of flavored products and prohibit the sale of single cigars with a retail price of $2.50 or less. Wake-Up Youth Action Team members presented findings from their 2015 WMHS survey that showed youth use tobacco & nicotine delivery products that are “cheap, sweet, and easy to get.”
- Institute for Health & Recovery SAFE Project launches at WMHS: Students whose substance use is negatively impacting their lives can be referred to this program by a parent, school personnel, police officer, or probation officer. For more info visit: http://www.healthrecovery.org/projects/safe-project/
- Interface Referral Program launched in September 2015 in Wakefield thanks to a collaboration between the Wakefield Public Schools and the Town of Wakefield. The mental health referral program is now equipped to handle referrals from Wakefield for any age resident (birth to death). Call to consult with a mental health professional about resources and/or receive personalized, matched referrals (based on insurance, location, type of provider needed, and availability). http://www.msppinterface.org/Wakefield
- Wake-Up & WPD Rx Takeback continues to collect a significant amount of unused medications. Over the past July, August, & September 128 lbs. of medications were turned in.
- Recovery Month event at Wakefield Lower Common was a successful, thoughtful event. Over 60 people turned out on Sept. 24th at 6:30pm to hear stories of hope and remembrance. WPD Chief Smith spoke on behalf of law enforcement and communicated the theme of hope and his department’s commitment to help those suffering from this disease. Three different individuals in recovery shared their stories.
- Galvin News Flush debuted in the bathroom stalls at Galvin Middle School in mid-May. Wake YAT leaders worked with Galvin students to design this monthly newsletter that included “most of us don’t drink” stats, organization tips, and information about talking to trusted adults.
- Galvin Above the Influence: Over 50 submissions were received for the Galvin Above the Influence social media contest. Galvin students used to show what they live above. #galvinati
- New Police Officers Trained: Wake-Up Director Catherine Dhingra completed a 2-hour training session with seven rookie police officers. The training gave offers an overview of local data, best practices in prevention, linkages between mental health & substance use, and local resources.
- Ryan’s Story – A Presentation on “Bullying, Cyberbullying, and Youth Depression” on April 6th, 6th & 7th grade students heard this important presentation followed by a parent event in the evening, approximately 50 parents attended the evening session. Galvin student support service staff communicated their services, availability, and handed every student a card with their phone and email addresses. Parents were made aware of the Galvin Student support services website with local mental health professionals, support groups, and other resources.
- Wake-Up Annual Meeting on March 25th was a great success with over 50 guests. Senator Lewis’s keynote speech addressed the work that Wake-Up is doing & how he is taking what is happening on the community level to implement statewide changes. The Youth Action Team
members talked about their strategies for ‘growing flowers’ and ‘shrinking weeds’. Senator Lewis says he is now borrowing this phrase from the Wake YAT leaders when he talks about prevention! Youth Action Team member Joe Boudreau made a year in review video. Marissa Hoffman won the youth award and Jen Hart, School Psychologist Galvin Middle School won the Wake Up Community Award.
- 2nd Annual Parent University on March 21st was a great success with over 150 parents attending. The post-event evaluations demonstrated parents felt the event was extremely worthwhile and gained a lot from the Keynote, Academic and Social-Emotional workshops. Many parents commented about the ability to connect with one another and the community-school connection they feel is thriving in Wakefield.
- 2nd Annual Wakefield Youth Health & Safety Guide was in the Wakefield Daily Item and mailed out to every home with students in grades 5-12pm. The comprehensive guide lists critical information on substance abuse prevention, mental health, & other wellness topics including a 3-page local resource list.
To access the guide in pdf format please click on the following link: Youth Health & Safety Guide
- National Drug Facts Week at Wakefield High School during the last week of February. Youth Action Team leaders designed posters, announcements, and homeroom quizzes to debunk common alcohol, tobacco, and drug myths.
