February 2022
Claremont and Newport, NH — The Youth CAN Coalition, so named for the acronym that comes from Claremont And Newport is up, running, and in full swing thanks to a CDC-sponsored, Drug Free Communities grant procured by West Central Behavioral Health. The grant will provide up to $125,000 per year for five years to foster and fund substance-free activities for local youth in the greater Claremont and Newport areas.
Recently hired Prevention Coordinator Scott Blewitt, who was the Lake Sunapee region Recreation Director for 27 years, brings his expertise and enthusiasm working with youth to help them stay active and healthy. Scott and Youth CAN offered youth and adults a Thump the Stump! contest at this year’s Newport Winter Carnival on February 12, and there are plans afoot for more Youth CAN activities in the future. People of all ages had a great time trying their hand at pounding nails into a stump. It might look easy, but it takes a steady hand and a sharp eye to hit the nail on the head!
Right now, there’s an active Youth CAN Facebook page where you’ll find information about mentoring, healthy eating, and recreational activities for youth locally. Visit and Like YouthCAN603 on Facebook to become part of this effort! Youth CAN will be working closely with schools, towns, and local non-profits to ensure all youth have access to programs that are fun and substance free. The good news is that activities can be developed by youth for youth. These two Q&A’s come from Youth CAN to help tell their story:
Who are we? We are a group of people interested in youth-adult partnerships to create positive opportunities for young people so they use less alcohol, tobacco, marijuana, and other drugs. We are from Claremont and Newport and come from different backgrounds.
How can you get involved? Join the coalition! Attend monthly virtual planning meetings. Like/Follow us on social media. Sponsor food or marketing for one of our events. Volunteer to lead a youth experience. Help create promotional & educational material. Advocate for community change.
It’s easy to join. Just send an email to YouthCAN603@gmail.com expressing your interest.
Some interesting community statistics include:
Not all youth drink alcohol! In fact, 73% of students have NOT use alcohol in the past 30 days.
Not all youth use marijuana. In fact, 74% of students have not used marijuana in the past 30 days.
Just 10% of youth have used a prescription drug WITHOUT a doctor’s order.
58% of students believe they are at great risk of harm if they use a prescription drug without a doctor’s order.
91% of youth do NOT smoke cigarettes.
However, 51% of students have used an electronic vapor product in their lifetimes, and 37% have used such a product in the past 30 days.
There’s work to do, and you can have fun doing it, helping youth succeed during their important teenage years without drugs, alcohol, or other substances.
West Central is the fiscal agent for the DFC grant and a member of the Youth CAN Coalition. Coalition members include many local government entities, social service organizations, non-profits, and businesses such as: Dartmouth Hitchcock Medical Center, Claremont Learning Partnership, UNH Cooperative Extension – Sullivan County, SAU6: Claremont School District, Claremont Police Department, SAU43: Newport School District, Newport Police Department, Sullivan County Family Treatment Court, Greater Sullivan County Public Health Network (GSCPHN), Greater Claremont Chamber of Commerce, WCNL Country, Claremont Elks Lodge, Greater Sullivan County Medical Reserve Corps, Keady Family Practice, Groups Recover Together, TLC Family Resource Center, New Futures, New London Hospital, Valley Regional Hospital, Center for Recovery Resources, Finding Our Stride, Better Life Partners, and others.
Dave Celone is director of development & Community Relations for West Central Behavioral Health, which has clinics in Claremont, Lebanon, and Newport. West Central treats people with mental illness, substance use disorders, and those in crisis. The NH Rapid Response Access Point crisis hotline is 833-710-6477, and West Central’s mobile crisis response teams are standing by 24/7/365 to come to you when needed. Online at wcbh.org. Dave may be reached at dcelone@wcbh.org.