OUR HISTORY
The West Haven Drug & Alcohol Task Force (renamed West Haven Prevention Council) was incorporated in 1985 through the State of Connecticut’s Office of the Secretary of the State. The committee was formed as a result of concerns voiced from the public school system’s PTA around issues of youth substance abuse.
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Today, the WHPC exists to provide prevention education and resources to parents/caregivers and local youth about the risks associated with substance use. In 2020, WHPC has been awarded numerous grants to develop dedicated awareness tools addressing youth alcohol use, vaping and marijuana use, as well as mental health.
LEADERSHIP*
Chairperson: Dana Parades
Co-Chair: James Turcio
Secretary: Heather Shea
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COALITION MEMBERS
12 Community Sectors | Committed to the Cause
Drug Free Community (DFC) Coalitions are made up of community leaders representing twelve sectors that organize to meet the local prevention needs of the youth and families in their communities. Coming together from a wide variety of backgrounds and experiences, our members are the backbone of West Haven Prevention Council. Their ideas help shape the direction and mission of our organization as it continues to develop.
YOUTH
MacKenzie Gardner
PARENTS
Heather Shea* | PTA
Kim Kenny
BUSINESS COMMUNITY
Rick Altschuler |Â Altschuler and Altschuler Attorneys at Law
MEDIA
Alan Olenick |Â West Haven Voice
SCHOOLS
Dana Paredes* | Principal |
West Haven High School
James Turcio* | West Haven School System
YOUTH-SERVING ORGANIZATIONS
Troy Zane | DCF Milford Office
LAW ENFORCEMENT
Audrey Jefferson | West Haven Police Department
RELIGIOUS OR FRATERNAL ORGANIZATIONS
Pastor Carl Howard | First Congregational Church of West Haven
CIVIC OR VOLUNTEER GROUPS
Jason Crockett | West Haven Rotary
HEALTHCARE PROFESSIONALS
Meredith Lall | Bridges Healthcare
Jill Grego | Nursing Supervisor |
West Haven Board of Education
Maureen Lillis | Director, Health Department | City of West Haven
GOVERNMENT AGENCIES
Dorinda Borer | State Representative
OTHER ORGANIZATIONS INVOLVED IN REDUCING SUBSTANCE MISUSE (TREATMENT PROVIDERS)
Thomas McMahon, PhD |
West Haven Mental Health Clinic
Michelle Comas, PhD|
West Haven Mental Health Clinic
Vianette Hernandez, LCSW |
Clifford Beers Clinic