Community leaders come together for BAYMatters meeting
On Friday, July 13, Bay Village community leaders joined parents, school administrators, police and chemical dependency experts at the first annual BAYMatters planning meeting, held at the Bay police station. The meeting was to share current trends, review efforts, and discuss information currently available to parents and to plan how to best spread the word about avoiding usage and helping families struggling with alcohol and other drug use.
The first meeting of the ongoing forum addresses four goals:
- To provide awareness to the entire community about youth chemical substance abuse and addiction.
- To show solidarity by bringing community leaders and first responders together.
- To help erase the stigma associated with drug addiction.
- To educate parents on the basic information they need and where to turn for help.
Representatives included Bay's current and former mayors, City Council, Bay Middle School and Bay High School, PTA, Bay Family Services, West Shore Enforcement Bureau, churches and civic organizations, along with parents who have dealt with chemical dependency in their children.
Said one parent: “It’s so exciting to see everyone come together and rally around this issue. I know this is not an easy topic to discuss, but knowing so many of our elected officials and leaders care is heartwarming.”
Plans are underway for a community-wide forum called "BAYMatters: Protecting Our Youth, Protecting Our Community" to help families talk about drugs and alcohol.
All in attendance agreed to reach out to their constituents to spread the word and make sure the messages get out to as many people in our community as possible.