WHAT’S BUZZING
Media Coverage
Chariho Youth Task Force wins $5,000 from CVS for anti-tobacco campaign
“It’s estimated that 16,000 Rhode Island children will die prematurely from tobacco related illness,” said task force member and Chariho graduate Dan Fitzgerald, who is the Network Director of Tobacco Free Rhode Island. “By changing the culture around tobacco use and forming partnerships between passionate young people and organizations such as CVS Health, we are making large strides toward a healthy Rhode Island.”
Chariho Youth: Community Heroes
CVS Health, WPRI 12 and the Pawtucket Red Sox are joining forces for the third year of “Community Heroes”, a program that will provide $55,000 in grants to Rhode Island nonprofits. All three organizations are committed to helping youth lead tobacco-free lives. That is why this year’s grant program is a Public Service Announcement campaign where youth can create a 30- or 60-second video on what it means for them to be the first tobacco-free generation.
Chariho Youth on a National Stage
Members of the Chariho Youth Task Force were invited to present their public information campaign on mental health issues to a national audience last month at the National Leadership Conference of Students Against Destructive Decisions, or SADD, in Tampa, Fla.
“The idea of this conference is to be among other student leaders from nearly every state and just really get an idea of what they do,” task force Director Dan Fitzgerald said. “Each year, they seem to be adding new topics. Usually they focus on underage drinking, tobacco use, driving safety. Last year was their first time adding on mental health as a topic.”
Chariho Students Taking Part in State Event
"...members of the Chariho Youth Task Force are participating in today’s Kick Butts Zombie Walk in Providence. They will join hundreds of teenagers from throughout Rhode Island at the annual event, which draws attention to the dangers of smoking and becoming a “tobacco zombie.”
Community challenges fears, stigma, and ignorance surrounding mental illness
The reason for a community conversation on mental health, mental illness and addiction was put in sharp focus when a member of the Chariho Youth Task Force briefly addressed an audience of about 80 gathered in the Westerly High School auditorium Thursday night.
Standing up to Stigma
Presentation to the School Committee discussing the importance of mental health and how it affects each and every one of us.