Health & Fitness
Voices Of Prevention - Officer Courtney Grant - Views of our Town Hall Meeting Panelists
This post is part of a series that provides the perspective of the panelists participating in the 2nd Annual Town Hall Meeting to Prevent Teen Substance Abuse, which takes place Monday, April 8th from 5:30-8:30 at the West Hartford Town Hall. Interviews with each panelist were conducted by community members who are part of LEAD BY EXAMPLE, a substance abuse prevention campaign developed by youth, parents, school officials, researchers, and community members in West Hartford, Connecticut. Check out the campaign at https://www.facebook.com/westhartfordleadsbyexample
Courtney Grant is the West Hartford Police Officer assigned to the West Hartford Elementary and Middle Schools as the School Resource Officer. She works in the Community Relations Division of the department. Officer Grant is scheduled to be one of the panelists at the Town Hall Meeting.
Based on your experience, why is substance abuse prevention important in our community? Having been a Police Officer with the Town for over 13 years, I have seen many incidents which involve underage drinking or drug use. I have seen teens pay the ultimate price for something so senseless and that can be avoided. Not only do the teens suffer, the family suffers as well. The community needs to be aware that this is a serious concern with serious consequences.
What is the most important thing parents should do to keep their children substance free? Parents need to find an effective and comfortable way to communicate and educate their children as to the dangers of substance abuse.
What can an event like the THM accomplish and why are you participating in this event? Town Hall Meetings bring concerns of the community and issues within the community to the forefront. Communities need to “communicate” and help each other in order to thrive.
What is the biggest gap between perception and reality around substance abuse in the community? Many people believe that “My kids don’t drink or do drugs”, or “That doesn’t happen here” and unfortunately it does happen, and sometimes adults turn a blind eye to it.
What other important information would you like to add to this discussion? If assistance or more information is needed, utilize the services that are provided to you.
OUR NEXT EVENT: This year’s annual Town Hall Meeting “Choices & Consequences” will be on Monday, April 8th, 2013 at the West Hartford Town Hall Auditorium. This free event is for teens and adults and will focus on prescription drug misuse and underage drinking. This year’s event includes a mini-expo of local resources, two research-based videos produced by Hall a Conard students about peer pressure related to substance abuse and a panel discussion with experts and students. We’ll also have free food, a raffle with prizes for teens and music by Hall and Conard students. More info on the event and the West Hartford Substance Abuse Prevention Commission is available here.