The Cuyahoga Falls “Not Me, I’m Drug Free” program received a Chemical Abuse Reduction by Education (C.A.R.E.) Award of appreciation from the Six District Educational Compact, an organization that represents six public schools in the area.
At the award event, held at Silver Lake Country Club on the evening of April 7, representatives from Cuyahoga Falls, Hudson, Kent, Stow-Munroe Falls, Tallmadge and Woodridge school districts presented C.A.R.E. Awards to individuals, schools, businesses and community organizations that work to combat substance abuse.
"We are incredibly pleased to receive the C.A.R.E. Award of appreciation for our Not Me, I'm Drug Free program – our initiative to reach out to our community’s youth to educate them about the dangers of drug use," said Cuyahoga Falls Mayor Don Walters. "There is no greater honor than being recognized for helping our young people."
The Not Me program earned the C.A.R.E. Award for sponsoring a number of drug prevention speakers, including Cole’s Warriors, Robby’s Voice, The Magic of Life and Tyler’s Light, as well as playing an active role in “Let’s Talk,” a Cuyahoga Falls High School event designed to help parents and students discuss the dangers of drug abuse.
“It was really special for the Not Me, I’m Drug Free program to be recognized at the Six District C.A.R.E. Awards,” said Cuyahoga Falls Police Chief Jack Davis. “The work that goes into it by all who are involved is making a difference in the lives of our students. We are fortunate to have such a great collaboration to make it a success.”
Launched in 2014, Not Me, I’m Drug Free represents an ongoing collaboration between Cuyahoga Falls Mayor Don Walters, the police and fire departments, Cuyahoga Falls and Woodridge school districts and Western Reserve Hospital.
“’It takes a village to raise a child’ is not just a saying in Cuyahoga Falls thanks to Western Reserve Hospital, the City of Cuyahoga Falls and the schools,” said Dr. Todd Nichols, superintendent of Cuyahoga Falls City Schools. “We are so blessed to have such a strong partnership between the school districts, Western Reserve Hospital and the City of Cuyahoga Falls. Together, we are making a difference in lives of kids and families.”