The Franklin Mayor’s Drug Task Force would like to invite members of the community to attend its next meeting on Thursday, February 13. The meeting will be held at 5 PM at the Franklin Opera House, and light refreshments will be served.

“This event is a great opportunity for members of the community to find out what the Task Force is doing in their community,” says Coalition Coordinator Brandy Underwood. “We truly hope that people will take the time to learn about the good things happening with the Task Force, and how they can be involved.”

The Franklin Mayor’s Drug Task Force recently moved into a new, more visible and accessible space at the Bessie Rowell Community Center and is excited about what the future will bring. The February meeting is going to be a “year in review.” Information and data about 2013 Task Force initiatives and updates about initiatives that are in progress will be shared. Katy Shea, evaluator from the Community Health Institute, will be reviewing the results of the 2013 Youth Risk Behavior Survey completed by Franklin and Hill youth.

When first established, the Franklin Mayor’s Drug Task Force identified three substance abuse issues to address: prescription drugs, underage drinking, and marijuana. In the past three years, the Task Force has made significant progress including the establishment of a free 24/7 Disposal Box for prescription medications at the Franklin Police Department; media campaigns and educational outreach; and the establishment of the Franklin Youth Initiative (FYI).

The Franklin Mayor’s Drug Task Force began with the vision of Mayor Ken Merrifield. It has since grown into a coalition of actively engaged individuals and organizations from all sectors of the community working together for a common goal: a healthy environment for the drug- and alcohol-free development of our youth and families.

Like all good coalitions, the stronger the collaborations, the bigger the rewards! More Task Force members are needed and wanted. You are invited to attend our February meeting to learn more about what the Task Force is doing to achieve its goals and how you can be part of the solution.

For more information, contact Brandy Underwood at 998-5337 or TaskForceInfo@nullFranklinNH.org. You can also click on the link for the Task Force the bottom of the page at FranklinNH.org.