For Immediate Release

Friday, Jan. 4, 2019

Contact: Benjamin Paulin
Phone: 781-428-3299
Email: [email protected]

Hull Public Schools and Police Department Receive Grant for Opioid Prevention Program

HULL — Superintendent Michael Devine and Chief John Dunn are pleased to announce that Hull Public Schools and the Police Department received a $20,000 grant to implement an opioid abuse prevention program at the elementary and middle schools.

Hull received the grant in November, which is administered by Pharmaceutical Research and Manufacturers of America (PhRMA). Over the next year, the school district and police department will work to develop a program for children.

“Like all communities, Hull has been greatly impacted by the opioid crisis,” Superintendent Devine said. “With this grant, the school district and police department can develop a program that will give our students the knowledge and skills needed to make good choices and form positive and healthy relationships with adults.”

The grant money will be used in a number of areas throughout the district for targeted learning opportunities surrounding abuse prevention. Chief Dunn and Superintendent Devine would like to extend a sincere thank you to resident David Shapiro for notifying the town of this opportunity and serving as the grant liaison throughout the process.

“We know that to address the opioid epidemic we must be proactive and reach students at an early age so that they continue to make healthy choices into their adult lives,” Chief Dunn said. “Thank you to PhRMA for providing Hull with the funding needed to launch a comprehensive opioid abuse prevention program for our children.”

• • The funds will help purchase materials and bring in presenters from the research-based Botvin LifeSkills Training. The multifaceted program works to: teaches students the necessary skills to resist social (peer) pressures to smoke, drink and use drugs; help students to develop greater self-esteem and self-confidence; enable students to effectively cope with anxiety; increase students’ knowledge of the immediate consequences of substance abuse and; enhance cognitive and behavioral competency to reduce and prevent a variety of health risk behaviors.
  • Hold trainings, such as “Hidden in Plain Sight,” which will give parents greater knowledge about opioid abuse, including how to look for signs that their child may be using drugs or alcohol.
  • Hire teachers and/or other respected community figures to sponsor a three-day per week after-school program at the Memorial Middle School with high-interest activities (i.e. open gym, dance, etc.) that will engage students outside of the regular school day.
  • Bring in the ​Improbable Players to do a workshop and panel discussion for all students in grades six through eight. The themes of the presentation will be reinforced in small group discussions.
  • Purchase board games and host a Family Game Night where literature about opioid abuse will be available for parents.
  • Hold a monthly poster/video contest at the Memorial Middle School. Each month will have a set theme (i.e. resisting peer pressure, opioid facts, etc.) and the winner will receive a $100 gift card to a local store.

“PhRMA is pleased to support the efforts of local law enforcement working collaboratively with education leaders to ensure our young people are aware of the dangers of opioid misuse,” said Priscilla VanderVeer, deputy vice president, public affairs at PhRMA. “We need a balanced approach that ensures appropriate education and prevention to address this critical public health challenge.”

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