READING — For the month of September, observed nationally as Recovery Month, the Reading Police Department will be supporting the Reading Coalition for Prevention and Support by offering and wearing special patches.
National Recovery Month increases awareness and understanding of mental and substance use disorders and encourages individuals in need of treatment and recovery services to seek help.
The Reading Coalition for Prevention and Support, which is funded under the Reading Police Department, offers programs and services that focus on substance misuse prevention and mental health promotion, centered around the Coalition’s three main goals:
- Improve community collaboration
- Reduce substance misuse
- Promote mental health
The special patch combines the traditional Reading Police patch with the Reading Coalition for Prevention and Support logo, which features five colored ribbons that represent a different initiative of the Coalition. Green represents Mental Health Awareness; blue represents Bullying Prevention Awareness; purple represents Recovery Awareness; red represents Substance Misuse Prevention Awareness; and yellow represents Suicide Prevention Awareness.
“The Reading Coalition for Prevention and Support does invaluable work to support our community, and we are honored to collaborate with them as part of our Department,” said Chief David Clark. “The Coalition is an outstanding extension of our commitment to increase awareness of prevention and support initiatives and programs for our residents.”
Residents who would like to receive a patch can donate to any non-profit organization that supports any of the programs within the coalition, and show proof of donation. Examples of organizations include NAMI Massachusetts, MOAR Recovery and The NAN Project.
Proof of donation should be submitted to Community Service Officer DaLonn Pearson at dapearson@readingma.gov, or sent in a self-addressed stamped envelope with proof of donation to CSO Pearson 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.
For more information on the Reading Coalition for Prevention and Support, visit here.
