September 6, 2010
 
Galveston, TX - On September 8, 2010 from 9am - 4pm, the Galveston County Community Coalition of the Bay Area Council on Drugs and Alcohol (BACODA) will host the "Prevention Through Action" Summit at the Treemont Hotel Davidson Ballroom.  The summit will educate Galveston County residents about emerging trends in substance abuse, such as the dangerous rise of prescription drug abuse, and what efforts are in the planning to combat these growing problems within our community.
 
The featured speaker, renowned Mack McCarter, is founder and coordinator of Community Renewal International, a non-profit organization which works to restore safe and caring communities.

"Community Renewal is all about rebuilding hope, restoring caring communities and renewing the spirit of cooperation in every segment of the community," said McCarter.

Other distinguished presenters include Dr. Robert J. Landry, Director of Research and Educational Services discussing the results of the Ball High Survey and local emerging trends.  Dr. Matthew Mireles, President and CEO of Community Medical Foundation for Patient Safety will discuss how pharmaceutical waste is a public health challenge.  Dr. Jeff R. Temple, assistant professor and psychologist in the department of Obstetrics & Gynecology at the University of Texas Medical Branch at Galveston will discuss his research on teen dating violence and how it is becoming an emerging public health problem.
 
"Now more than ever parents and adults should be concerned with the health and safety of our youth. Law enforcement alone cannot combat this growing problem - the community must join together in a concerted effort to address the problem at the community level," said Mary Beth of Galveston County Community Coalition.
 
Adopt an Action Choices will be presented to the audience about specific action items that they can adopt. People who sign up to adopt actions will be entered into a drawing to win the centerpieces.  Centerpieces are designed on the concept of Prevention Prepared Communities and feature tools and materials from the building trade. Each centerpiece has a retail value of $100.00.
 
Jennifer Hart, the Coalition's Coordinator said, "This is an opportunity for local citizens to connect with others who are committed to reducing the harmful impact of drug abuse in our diverse community.  We encourage parents, law enforcement, school personnel, business and faith-community leaders to join us."
 
To learn more and register for the "Prevention Through Action" Summit, please visit www.bacoda.org/coalitions.html. Please register online by September 3, 2010. The Coalition is a part of the Bay Area Council on Drugs and Alcohol (BACODA).  BACODA is a community based substance abuse prevention organization that provides sustained leadership and support for the Galveston County Community Coalition.  BACODA has provided comprehensive prevention/intervention services for over thirty years to the target area.