The June CoAPT meeting was called to order at 11:30 a.m. via Zoom by Amber Corder, program coordinator.
Corder informed the other members that the summer Community Anti-Drug Coalitions of America (CADCA) training will be offered virtually this year due to the COVID-19 pandemic. She explained that the coalition will be able to afford sending more members since there will not be any travel expenses; CoAPT members that are interested should contact Corder. The virtual training will take place July 26-30. Corder said that additional Texas Standing Tall trainings focusing on social access policies and ordinances can be arranged.
CoAPT is planning on hosting three events during the upcoming school year. These will include: Hidden in Plain Sight, Blanco Lions Club “Stuff the Bus” event, and the Wellness Fair. There are no confirmed dates at this time, but the Hidden in Plain Sight and “Stuff the Bus” events are planned for the fall semester. COVID-19 guidelines will be followed during all of the events. Educational presentations for teachers and parents will also take place.
Next, Dayna Leggett explained she was working with the CoAPT students to create a video. It is based off of another coalition’s video which spread the message, “Say Nope to Dope” and involved students, facility, emergency services personnel, law enforcement officers, and many others. The other coalition is located in Selma, Alabama and additional information on their “Hope Dealers” can be found at http://dchopedealers.com/. Blanco’s CoAPT will post their finished video to the social media accounts and it will be around two minutes long.
Corder would like to host another sticker shock campaign but while following the social distancing guidelines. The planning and organizing of this campaign will begin shortly. She plans on speaking with store owners about placing the stickers on beer boxes. The local breweries, wineries, and distilleries will also be included this round if they choose to participate. Volunteers (over the age of 21) will go into the various stores and put stickers on the boxes while wearing gloves and a mask.
Corder encouraged everyone to look at the One Choice/I Am One Presentation, A Data-Informed, Youth Driven Prevention Message which is located on CoAPT’s Facebook page or on YouTube at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9f8cVXJyCxQ&feature=youtu.be&fbclid=IwAR0FlqN50_kEKnLlRaW68c0Xs6Iz8WITKcaTUUUzJN02ZvMaQt58kPnt8uM. She explained that the webinar contained powerful messages and information on youth substance use for parents. “The earlier teens start using substances the more likely they will become addicted later in life,” explained Corder.
Lastly, other announcements were made including updates on summer programs. Most of the local churches have canceled their summer vacation programs, but many sports camps are still happening while still practicing social distancing. The 2nd Mile Recreation Center is open as well. The meeting was adjourned at 12:15 p.m. and the next one will take place on July 8 at 11:30 a.m.
