UPP Board Meets to Review New Technology

The Ulster Prevention Project Board will meet on Friday, December 18, to take a look at two new internet-based tools designed to support UPP's efforts to work with community coalitions, school districts, agencies, parents and youth to reduce substance abuse in the county.

UPP Director Jack Bennett promises an exciting morning. "I'm so pleased that UPP is moving into the world of social media and interactive applications."

Although the new website still has a lot of rough edges, you can take a look and tell us what you think.

UPP Conversation with Jose Sanchez

Jack Bennett recently interviewed Jose Sanchez, the Assistant Superintendent for Education in the Wallkill Central School District. They talked about many things, but started with the controversy that often whirls around the student surveys conducted throughout the country every other year.

“People need to understand that the information is not just to satisfy curiosity seekers or even for purely scientific purposes, but to drive change. It is imperative that those involved: parents, teachers, community groups, professionals- everybody that cares, think the issue through by examining all aspects of it. That’s the only way we can change things”. He went on to say “Sure, it’s political. The superintendents have to think that way- it’s a part of their job’. The zone process (a method to separate survey results by breaking up the County into four distinct quadrants) avoids problems that occur when localities compete with each other for the lowest drug use patterns. “What it comes down to as educators is staying focused on our role, especially when working with other agencies. That we’re “not” the police, not the department of social services…each must stay within their area of expertise. When each entity knows their role they can pitch in to help based on that.”

To read more of the interview, follow this link to our website.

New Blog for the Ulster Prevention Project

Today we're initiating a new blog to support our work reducing substance abuse in Ulster County, NY.

We'll share resources, information about community events, local news, things we want to celebrate, and issues we're thinking about.

We'd love to have your contributions and feedback.

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