Listen to this articleReading, MA — Chief David J. Clark is pleased to share that the Reading Police Department will once again be showing support for the Reading Coalition for Prevention and Support by offering a special patch during recovery awareness month.
September is observed as National Recovery Month, according to the Substance Abuse and Mental Services Administration, to support new treatment evidence, recovery practices and the recovery community.
The patch will be worn throughout September to raise awareness of substance misuse and mental health initiatives, as well as programs and services that focus on prevention and support.
The patch combines the traditional Reading Police patch with the logo of the Reading Coalition for Prevention and Support. The five-colored ribbons on the patch represent a different initiative of the Coalition. Green represents Mental Health Awareness; blue represents Bully Prevention Awareness; purple represents Recovery Awareness; red represents Substance Misuse Prevention Awareness; and yellow represents Suicide Prevention Awareness.
“The patches are a great way to support and donate to great initiatives supported by the Reading Coalition along with Reading Police,” said Chief Clark. “We are very fortunate to have such a great organization as part of our department as we work to increase awareness of prevention and support initiatives and programs for our residents.”
Residents who would like to receive a patch should show proof of donation to any non-profit organization that supports any of the programs within the coalition.
Proof of donation should be submitted to Community Service Officer Kristen O’Shaugnessy at KOShaughnessy@ci.reading.ma.us or send a self-addressed stamped envelope to CSO O’Shaugnessy at the police station, 15 Union St., Reading, MA 01867.
About the Reading Coalition
The Reading Coalition for Prevention & Support, formerly known as RCASA, was established in 2006 in Reading. The coalition started as a town, police, school, and community initiative focused on improving collaboration and reducing substance misuse. The coalition was grant-funded from 2007 to 2019. Today, the coalition is funded under the Reading Police Department, and offers programs and services that focus on substance misuse prevention and mental health promotion.
The coalition has proven to be an essential component in reducing substance misuse in Reading through a variety of prevention efforts. The coalition focuses on shared accountability, community education, coalition trainings, youth leadership programs, special events, and advocacy. Coalition staff focus on achieving three goals:
- Improve community collaboration
- Reduce substance misuse
- Promote mental health
For more information on the Reading Coalition for Prevention and Support, visit: https://www.reading.k12.ma.us/community/readingcoalition/.
