Police & RCASA Connect with Families at the YMCA Informational Booths and Police SUV on Display

On Saturday. April 27, 2013 the Reading Police Department and the Reading Coalition Against Substance Abuse participated in the annual Healthy Kids Day at the YMCA. Healthy Kids Day is an annual event held at the YMCA designed to promote health, wellness and safety for children and their families. Staff at the YMCA estimated that around 350 families participated in Saturday’s event.

Erica McNamara, RCASA Director, and Safety Officer Justin Martel setup informational booths to offer families educational materials on substance abuse, seatbelt usage, bicycle safety, and healthy choices. Officer Martel educated children on the police SUV and some got the chance to turn on the emergency blue lights and hit the siren. After learning that wearing a seat belt reduces one’s risk of death or serious injury in a crash by up to 50%, twenty four children signed a pledge that they will wear their seatbelt every time they take a ride in a motor vehicle.

Kelsie Pace and Abigail Vieno, RCASA Youth Leaders and staff educated children and families on tobacco prevention, Text a Tip, and Rx Round Up. Parents learned they could bring their unwanted prescription medications to the police station free of charge. Families also learned how to send anonymous tips to local police. Visitors learned about resources to keep their children substance free as they grow and develop.

“Participating in events like Healthy Kids Day helps the Department and RCASA connect with local youth,” said Chief James W. Cormier. “These events allow us to promote safety and responsibility to families in a meaningful and personal way.”