New London Representatives Attending National Substance Abuse Prevention Conference

Members of an organization working to prevent substance abuse by youth are going to Washington, D.C. this week to participate in a national conference on the issue.

The New London Community and Campus Coalition is joining over 2,000 substance abuse specialists at the Community Anti-Drug Coalitions of America 23rd Annual National Leadership Forum. This runs from today through Thursday and covers topics such as how to reduce synthetic and prescription drug abuse, create tobacco free environments, and introduce policies to reduce underage drinking.

“We are so excited to be abie to spend several days with other similar organizations from across the country, learning and honing our prevention skills so our community can be a better place, one that doesn’t suffer from the harms of drug and alcohol abuse,” said Tony Mollica, community coordinator with the NLCCC.

Mollica also plans to meet with Senators Richard Blumenthal and Chris Murphy as well as Rep. Joe Courtney on Wednesday for the forum's Capitol Hill Day.

The NLCCC is made up of 30 coalition members. Its activities include "public education, social marketing, enforcement, policy change, and supporting positive youth programming." The organization was recently involved in establishing a prescription drug drop box at the New London Police Department and supporting an ordinance to restrict smoking in New London's parks.

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