Click main image for a full-size versionLINWOOD – The Mainland Regional Education Foundation, an organization that seeks to raise awareness about issues of concern to parents and students and money to supplement high school programs, will be providing drug abuse prevention information at the homecoming football game Friday night, Oct. 16.
In addition, MREF representative Debra Albuquerque said members will distribute locked medicine boxes that are designed to safeguard prescription medication.
Many drug problems begin with prescription medication, and the boxes can be an effective preventative measure for keeping these drugs out of the hands of children and teens, she said.
The group, formerly the Mainland Regional Community Partnership,
will also be providing information about drug problems that affect not only Mainland, but all of Atlantic County.
The idea to have a booth at homecoming was suggested by board member Ted Khoury at a MREF meeting.
“Addiction and grief are near and dear to his heart, and he along with MREF President Lisa Brown, MRHS Superintendent Bob Previti and MRHS Principal Mark Marrone wholeheartedly agreed,” Albuquerque said.
“We all have a vested interest to do everything within our means to educate and eradicate the addictions plaguing our schools.”
Bob Zlotnick of Northfield, coordinator of Atlantic Prevention Resources, told foundation members that Atlantic County deaths due to heroin have nearly tripled since 2010. In Atlantic County, heroin kills more people annually that the flu and pneumonia, according to information provided by Zlotnick.
The MREF booth will be located along Mustang Way where spectators enter near the ticket booth. The gates and the booth open 6 p.m., and the game begins at 7.
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