National 

Prevention 

Week declared 

PUTNAM — Putnam P.R.I.D.E. the Partnership to Reduce the Influence of Drugs for Everyone, a drug free communities coalition, has asked Mayor Tony Falzarano to declare May 18-24 as National Prevention Week for the Town of Putnam.

Romeo Blackmar, PRIDE coordinator, said ,“Our community drug-prevention coalition strives to educate the children of Putnam about the dangers of alcohol, drug and tobacco use. National Prevention Week recognizes the importance of preventing substance abuse and the promotion of mental health treatment.” 

National Prevention Week recognizes the fact that almost 21 million people in America suffer from substance dependence or abuse on a daily basis and more than twice that number of adults suffer from a mental illness.  

Deputy Chief of Police and Chairman of PRIDE, Lee Konicki, said, “PRIDE’S mission, “To unite the citizens of Putnam in a partnership to create and foster a safe, drug-free environment for the entire community” has resulted in raising community awareness of alcohol and other drug related issues.  By recognizing and promoting National Prevention Week, PRIDE joins hundreds of coalitions and communities nationwide that strive to make a difference in the lives of those who may suffer from substance abuse or mental health issues in the future.”  

In his proclamation Mayor Falzarano said that the issues of substance abuse and mental health problems affect all communities large and small. www.SAMHSA.org  or www.putnampride.org