BRATTLEBORO — If you're organizing a community event and want to keep it substance- and smoke-free, or as close to it as possible, the Brattleboro Area Prevention Coalition has you covered.
BAPC is making blue and green lawn signs available that read, “Thanks for keeping this a substance-free event,” with the first batch holding its ground at Brattleboro Winter Carnival, running through Feb. 24.
The signs are part BAPC's comprehensive prevention plan to encourage family-friendly, substance-free and smoke-free events.
According to Cassandra Holloway, BAPC's policy and project coordinator, the signs support an effort to reduce the perception that the consumption of alcohol at social activities is the norm.
“We hope that community event coordinators will understand the importance of creating substance-free events by prohibiting alcohol consumption,” she said.
Nancy Doyle, president of the 2013 Brattleboro Winter Carnival, said she and fellow Carnival organizers are pleased to be able to display the new signs, particularity in light of the schedule of events planned throughout the week for youth and families.
BAPC says 85 percent of respondents in a recent survey conducted in Windham County said they support smoke-free community events, with 96 percent saying they support smoke-free children events.
“BAPC hopes the survey results will provide community organizers the confidence they need to continue or become a smoke-free event,” the organization said in a press release.
Event organizers interested in borrowing the signs or in need of assistance in creating a substance-free or smoke-free policy should contact Holloway at 802-257-2175 or [email protected].