CMHA's Substance Abuse Action Council (SAAC) hosted its Annual Full Council Meeting at CMHA headquarters in New Britain on March 15.  SAAC Director Aisha Hamid highlighted the organization’s accomplishments for the year, including successful prevention trainings and drug take-backs, a SAAC-sponsored PSA on marijuana, and the finalization of a strategic work plan to assess and reduce substance abuse in SAAC’s communities.

Keynote speakers Dr. Joseph Erardi, Southington Superintendent of Schools, and Dr. Anthony Distasio, Plymouth Superintendent of Schools, spoke on the importance of work being done by parents and schools to mentor youth and prevent drug, alcohol and tobacco use.

State Representative Michelle Cook received the Legislative Advocacy Award, and awards were also given to school officials for Community Engagement and Community Intervention. The Plymouth Local Prevention Council (LPC) received the LPC of the Year Award.

SAAC recognized community, school, and legislative leaders at the Annual Meeting. From left: Dr. Joseph Erardi, Southington Superintendent of Schools;  Dr. Anthony Distasio, Plymouth Superintendent of Schools; State Representative Michelle Cook; Tatum Sherwood, Terryville Drug Free Communities Grant Project Manager; SAAC Director Aisha Hamid; Paul McLaughlin, Hartford Dispensary Executive Director; Jeff Duquette, Southington Elementary School Psychologist; Steve Nyerick, DePaolo Middle School Southington Guidance Counselor; Alan Beitman, Regional School District #10 Superintendent of Schools.	CMHA President & CEO Ray Gorman with CT State Representative Michelle Cook, recipient of the Legislative Advocacy Award.
SAAC Director Aisha Hamid (r) presented Community Intervention Awards to DePaolo Middle School Guidance Counselor Steve Nyerick (left) and Kelley and Plantsville Elementary Schools Psychologist Jeff Duquette.	SAAC Community Liaison Fr. Kapriel Mouradijan (left) with Regional School District #10 Superintendent of Schools Alan Beitman
Janet Storey, Mental Health Program Manager for CT Department of Mental Health & Addiction Services (DMHAS) with SAAC Director Aisha Hamid	From left: Terryville High School Career Coordinator Lisa Aiudi, Terryville Drug Free Communities Grant Project Manager Tatum Sherwood, and Plymouth Superintendent of Schools Dr. Anthony Distasio. Sherwood accepted the Outstanding Local Prevention Council (LPC) of the Year Award for Plymouth LPC.