ADAC partners with HF-FMCSD for pilot drug/alcohol program
There was a special guest at last Thursday’s meeting of the Highland Falls-Fort Montgomery Central School District — his name is Franklin Wright, and he promises that within a few months, community members are going to be used to “seeing me everywhere”.
Wright was at the meeting with Alcohol and Drug Awareness Council of Orange County (ADAC) Prevention Director Mary Alice Kovatch. The two were on hand to announce that ADAC will be, effective immediately, partnering with the Highland Falls-Fort Montgomery School District on an “innovative new approach to substance use prevention and mental health”, Kovatch said.
Six school districts in the county (HF-FMCSD,Goshen, Monroe-Woodbury, Valley Central, Pine Bush, Port Jervis) are about to start similar programs, made possible by Orange County’s receipt of opioid settlement funds.
In 2018, the county participated in national litigation related to the opioid epidemic that led to a historic $26 billion agreement. Orange County is set to receive almost $7 million from the National Distributors/Jansen settlement to be paid out through 2040.
So, back to Franklin “Frankie” Wright.
At no cost to the HF-FMCSD, Wright will be working in the district every school day through at least the remainder of this school year. The initiative is called ADAC IMPACT (Improving Mindsets, Policies, and Communities, Together).
Wright will provide prevention education to all students as well as faculty and community members, and promises to promote healthy living by implementing evidence-based programs and practices, presentations, disseminating information, and awareness campaigns relating to substance use and mental health.
“The Prevention Specialists will be embedded in the school district and become a part of the school culture, fostering relationships with students and staff alike in an effort to lower the likelihood of youth engaging in problematic substance use,” Kovatch said.
“I want your kids to be familiar with me and to be comfortable with me,” Wright told the board. “I’ll be at sporting events and want to get connected with the clubs.”
He’ll be based at O’Neill High School and the Highland Falls Intermediate School every other day, but will be able to move between schools as needed.
“I will do everything I can to help prevent the nightmare that comes with drug and alcohol abuse,” he said, noting that a personal goal of his is also to rid the district of students vaping.
“They think it’s okay, and it’s not,” he said.
Kovatch gave a short version of Wright’s resume to the board — “he comes to us with vast experience working in schools helping youth. For years he was at Saugerties High school as a mentor for youths struggling with substance abuse. Most recently he was a recovery advocate for the Ulster County O.R.A.C.L.E Team. He’s on the Board of Directors for a non-for-profit charity that promotes substance abuse awareness, dispels the myths of addiction, eliminates the stigma that is attached to it, and supports organizations that provide healthy programs for the youth of the community. He has organized community events for youth and not only supports youth as a career, but also volunteers a large amount of his time to youth who are struggling. He is a Certified Peer Recovery Advocate. Frankie is highly passionate about helping youth learn about the dangers and risks that come with alcohol and drug use. Additionally, he is an experienced varsity sports coach.”
Wright grew up in Cornwall, he told the board, where he was an athlete. At the meeting he wondered aloud where he could find some Raider maroon gear … he was told he’ll get assistance in finding that.
“We want to show that prevention really can work,” Kovatch told the board. “We hope to continue to grow this program throughout the state.”
To contact Wright, email: fwright@adacinfo.com.
