New man in charge

By Ken Johnston Editor There is a new but familiar face at the RR District Substance Abuse Prevention Team (SAPT). Many people know Hugh Dennis as the now retired Staff Sgt. of the RR District O.P.P. detachment. Well now he has switched gears and is the new coordinator for SAPT. “This is a labour of love for me. If it wasn’t for the subject matter (preventing alcohol and drug abuse) I probably would not have considered taking the job,” said Dennis last week. Dennis has been busy travelling the district meeting with groups like the Healthy Communities Coalition in Rainy River and student council at Rainy River High School. SAPT has a funding pool that Dennis is helping groups access. “Things like chem free grad and the upcoming RRHS camping trip to Moose Lake are perfect for us to be a part of.” Dennis serves as coordinator for the SAPT under a board of directors. On the board there are 14 partners working together to help prevent substance abuse. “We really reach out to a lot of parts of the community through all these groups,” said Dennis. SAPT also promotes healthy living. In addition to helping fund events Dennis said he is hoping to bring some motivational speakers into the area schools. They also are willing to work with seniors groups to talk about proper ways to dispose of outdated prescription drugs or substance abuse in the elderly. Another program he is working on is a Role Model of the week or month feature. “I hope to take high school kids that are good role models for younger kids and feature them in community media,” said Dennis. Dennis brings a long list of connections to the job at SAPT. In addition to his 34 years on the O.P.P. he is also the coordinator for the RR Valley Safety Coalition, was there when DARE programs began in the region, and he is very familiar with all the communities and their leaders across the district. Any group wishing to have Dennis come and speak to them about substance abuse prevention can call him at 274-9827 or log onto their website at www.preventingtragedy.org.