Inside P.R.I.D.E.
Spring 2011
Partnership to Reduce the Influence of Drugs for Everyone
Small Town Putnam Beats Big Cities
The Partnership to Reduce the
Influence of Drugs for
Everyone is a coalition of local
agencies, business owners,
town officials, law enforcement,
school administrators, parents
and youth, which was formed
to address substance abuse in
our community.
Mission: To unite the citizens
of Putnam in a partnership to
create and foster a safe, drugfree environment for the
entire community.
Upcoming Events:
Coalition Meetings
4/21, Noon
5/19, 8am
6/16, Noon
7/21 8am
“Big Milt” Motivational
Speaker Presentation,
Putnam High School
Third
Thursday of
the
month
3/31
12:45
In September, PRIDE and the
Putnam PD, in conjunction with
the DEA collected over 190
pounds of unused medication,
more than most towns (and larger
cities) in the state. We ranked
fifth overall in the state in pounds
collected, and were among the
most successful collection sites in
Connecticut, collecting more than
the big cities of Hartford, Fairfield,
Greenwich, Bridgeport, Groton,
New London, and Norwich.
Due to the tremendous success of the National Drug Take-Back Day on
September 25, 2010, a second take-back day has been scheduled for
April 30th. PRIDE, the Putnam Police, and the DEA will partner again to
provide residents of Northeast Connecticut with a safe, secure way to
dispose of their unused prescription medications. As always, the service
is free and anonymous. No questions asked! Look for the fliers, as the
date approaches.
Availability is one of the main risk factors that increase the likelihood of
youth abusing and misusing prescription medications. Every pill
collected by the DEA during these take-back events helps to keep them
out of the hands of Putnam’s youth.
“The Hard Truth” DKH 4/4
A DUI awareness and
prevention presentation
6:30pm
DEA Prescription Drug
Take-Back Day,
Riverview Farmer’s
Market Pavilion
4/30
SADD Mock Crash,
Putnam High School
5/12
On September 25th, the PRIDE,
Putnam PD, and the Elks Lodge
collected more than 190 pounds of
unused prescription drugs.
Did You Know????

Unintentional poisoning deaths involving psychotherapeutic drugs,
such as sedative-hypnotics and anti-depressants, grew 84 percent
from 1999 to 2004.

Between 1995 and 2005, treatment admissions for dependence on
prescription painkillers grew more than 300 percent.
10am2pm
Inside P.R.I.D.E.
“Safe & Friendly Community” Campaign
Gives Credit Where Credit is Due
You may have seen the banners
around town, or the decals in local
businesses’ windows, “Safe and
Friendly Community”, but do you
really know what that means and
how it came to be? In February of
2009, the Putnam Business
Association, PRIDE, and the Putnam
Police partnered up to create a
campaign and unite local businesses
to preserve and promote a drugfree community.
Local businesses signed a pledge
agreeing to:

Responsibly serve alcohol to
those 21 years or older
Contact Us!!!
Putnam PRIDE Coalition
Romeo Blackmar, PRIDE Coordinator
152 Woodstock Avenue
Putnam, CT 06260
Phone: 860-963-6905
E-mail: [email protected]
We’re On the Web!!!
www.putnampride.org
www.facebook.com/putnampride
For Town Events:
www.putnamct.us/eventcalendars
Youth Advisory Board
For Putnam youth, 6th-12th grades

Helps to promote the P.R.I.D.E.

Notify police of any criminal or suspicious activity
mission by educating their peers on

Abstain from selling or endorsing products that are common to illegal
drug use
and other drugs.

Promote a safe, friendly, and drug-free community
Since the kick off last year, many businesses have signed the pledge,
including Cumberland Farms, who was the first business to endorse the
campaign. The next step of this campaign will involve the PRIDE’s Youth
Advisory Board, writing letters to the businesses who haven’t committed
to this endeavor and who are continuing to sell the tobacco
paraphernalia products, which are more commonly used with illegal
substances.
The next time you notice the “Safe and Friendly Community” banner,
take a closer look to see what business is sponsoring that banner and pay
them a visit to show your appreciation. Or look for the “Safe and
Friendly Community” decal in the next business you go to, to see if they
signed the pledge.
the dangers of alcohol, tobacco,

Serves as a link between the youth,
their schools and town
government.

Promotes a positive image of youth
by encouraging youth to
participate in community issues.

Provides a place to express ideas
and opinions while building
leadership skills.

Teaches members about the town
they live in and offers
opportunities to improve it.
Contact Romeo Blackmar to sign up!!!
Meeting Schedule:
4/11 5/16 6/20
All meetings start at 5pm and are held in the
PES cafeteria