Communities Against Substance Abuse (CASA)

Mid Coast Hospital's Substance Abuse Prevention Project, a partner in the ACCESS Health Coalition, works with communities in Sagadahoc County as well as Brunswick and Harpswell to prevent and reduce substance abuse.  Priorities for 2008 include preventing underage drinking, reducing high risk drinking among young adults, and decreasing prescription drug misuse and abuse. 

For Youth:  Education 
Casa is partnering with local schools to offer Project Alert and Project Success--age appropriate curriculum shown to prevent and decrease use.  Know any youth concerned about their use?  CASA's 12-2-1 (12 Hours 2 Change 1 Life) is a 12 hour educational program offered once a month that gives teens a chance to look at their high risk choices in a nonjudgemental setting.  Contact Terry Sherman, 373-6995 for more information and upcoming dates.

For Retailers:  Alcohol Server & Seller Trainings
CASA offers alcohol server/seller trainings throughout the year for bartenders, servers and store clerks.  For upcoming trainings contact Melissa Fochesato, 373-6957.

Sagadahoc County Sheriff's Department, Bath Police Department and Brunswick Police Department will receive the ACCESS Health Helping Hand Award for their work in preventing underage access to alcohol.   All three are strong CASA partners and we thank them for their efforts.

CASA meetings
CASA meetings are held the second Thursday of the month from 3:30-5, September through June.
Meetings are held at Mid Coast Senior Health Center, 58 Baribeau Drive, Brunswick, ME -- contact Melissa Fochesato.for details.