The Franklin Mayor’s Drug and Alcohol Abuse Task Force (simply known as the “Drug Task Force” or “Task Force”) is a coalition of individuals and organizations within the community that come together to address a common goal: a healthy environment for the drug and alcohol free development of our youth and families. As a coalition, the communities of Franklin and Hill, New Hampshire are the primary communities that are served.

The coalition has only one paid staff position, which means that the work being done relies heavily on the efforts of volunteers. Members of the Task Force represent sectors from all areas of the community, from individuals to organizations. One member of the Task Force has shown strong dedication and support of the coalition’s mission since becoming involved over a year ago. Corey Gately is a Master Licensed Alcohol and Drug Counselor who is passionate about her work and it shines through in her volunteer work with the Task Force.

Residing in the Lakes Region with her husband and three children, her connection to the Franklin community really began when the Recovery Clinic at the Franklin Regional Hospital opened in 2015.

Corey currently works at the Clinic and has been working in the field of addiction since 2001. She states, “I wanted to become involved with the, Task Force, mainly because of the Recovery Clinic and our connection to the Franklin community. I knew that it would be important for the Task Force to be aware of our services and to know what the hospital was trying to do to be part of the drug crisis solutions. It made sense with my position to be part of the Task Force.” From volunteering at Community Day, being involved in speaker panels to presenting at meetings for the coalition, Corey has become an asset to the Task Force.

Corey explains that “being involved has given me a lot of insight into this community and how much the people here care about the lives of their youth and the future. I have grown to really care about the mission of the Task Force and I know that other communities are trying to follow the lead that Franklin has set.” Along with the Task Force, Corey helps educate and empower the community about how they can prevent substance misuse. She states, “I also want people to see how much support and education the Task Force provides our youth and how many opportunities they provide to parents.”

Task Force Coordinator Lauren Malloy explains that in the few short months since being the Coordinator of the Task Force, she has seen that Corey is dedicated to the mission the Task Force is striving towards. “Her passion and commitment to this work is very powerful,” Malloy states. “Corey is a wonderful example of how a community member plays an important role to the work of the Task Force and with the passion and desire to educate those about substance misuse, it is evident Corey loves what she does,” Malloy continued. “It is so important for us to face the challenges of substance abuse head on and the Task Force is working hard to help people to really look at the problems and the solutions,” Corey concludes.

There are many opportunities the Task Force provides to educate and raise awareness for youth and parents within the community. Any amount that a community member is able to help support our coalition’s mission is critical. Whether it is simply spreading awareness, doing at home projects, or volunteering to represent the Task Force, it is all equally important.

For more information about the Franklin Mayor’s Drug and Alcohol Abuse Task Force community coalition, click on the Drug Task Force icon at: franklinnh.org.