草榴社区 Convenes Public Health Experts, Community Leaders for Cannabis Awareness Symposium
草榴社区 partnered with the East Bay Regional Coalition on a thought-provoking discussion focused on fostering solutions around the impact of cannabis use among young adults.
BRISTOL, R.I. 鈥 草榴社区 hosted the 鈥淐ultivating Cannabis Awareness: An Educational Symposium鈥 to address the impact of cannabis use on young adults and foster collaboration across disciplines. Organized in partnership with the , the event brought together 150 attendees, including educators, public health professionals, law enforcement, and higher education leaders, for a day of dialogue and learning.
The symposium, held on Jan. 14, featured keynote addresses from prominent experts in public health and policy. Speakers included Madison Rivard, a public health epidemiologist; Bonnie Halpern-Felsher, a developmental psychologist whose research focuses on reducing health risk behaviors among youth; and retired Police Chief Anthony J. Silva, who coordinates the Rhode Island Impaired Driving Engagement Council. These experts shared critical insights into the risks associated with cannabis use and offered strategies for prevention.
鈥湶萘裆缜 is deeply grateful for the East Bay Regional Coalition鈥檚 partnership and resources, which have been invaluable to our efforts in addressing substance use and promoting awareness on critical issues impacting our community,鈥 said John King, Vice President for Student Life. 鈥淭his symposium is a testament to what we can accomplish when we bring together diverse voices to foster meaningful conversations and drive cultural change. We are committed to learning together and crafting educational messages that resonate with all generations, and we look forward to continuing this impactful partnership."
Breakout sessions and roundtable discussions provided opportunities for attendees to share knowledge and develop approaches for encouraging healthier choices among young people. The event culminated in a "Town Gown" discussion that tackled substance misuse and mental health challenges on Rhode Island campuses, highlighting 草榴社区's commitment to facilitating a safe and supportive environment through education and collaboration.
The symposium reflects 草榴社区鈥檚 commitment to advancing public health education and empowering communities with the knowledge and resources needed to drive awareness and inspire positive change.