Boys & Girls Clubs of the Suncoast (BGCS) joins forces with Pinellas County School Board (PCSB) and the Pinellas County Sheriff’s Office (PCSO) to address the opioid crisis in Tampa Bay with critical, lifesaving programming offered to middle school students by BGCS. Through the support of Office of Juvenile Justice and Delinquency Prevention (OJJDP), trained BGCS Staff will lead middle school health classes to educate youth on opioid risks.
This new programming is made possible by OJJDP will allow for coordination and implementation of detailed education plans, training, and tools to combat opioid usage. BGCS has dedicated, experienced, professionals that will be working within the schools throughout Pinellas County.
“I’m grateful for our partners that not only recognize the issues in our community but find innovative ways to be proactive and take action. Both the Boys & Girls Clubs of the Suncoast and the Pinellas County School Board are on the frontlines and see firsthand the issues that our youth face. There is no question that this partnership will give teens the tools they need to make good decisions and ultimately save lives.” Stated Sheriff Bob Gualtieri
“Our team understands the adverse impact the opioid epidemic is causing for teens,” states Freddy Williams, President & CEO of Boys & Girls Clubs of the Suncoast. “We are stronger when working together on behalf of young people and grateful for our partnership with the Office of Juvenile Justice and Delinquency Prevention, Pinellas County Schools, and the Pinellas County Sheriff’s Office. Not only will we teach students how to resist opioids, but we will also educate them on how to respond in emergencies. This program is timely, innovative, and potentially lifesaving.”
To learn more about our initiative to improve the lives of youth in our community, or to learn how you can join the Movement, email info@BGCSun.org.