Marijuana is the second most abused substance by youth and use is again on the rise, according to Youth Risk Behavior Survey Data and BOLD Survey Data from 2008. In response, the Building Our Lives Drug-free (BOLD) Coalition launched a public health campaign on the risk of harm of marijuana use on April 26, 2010 at Bristol Community College. “The downward trend in marijuana use among our youth has stopped and is again rising and we need to take action,” stated BOLD Coalition Director, Karen Fischer . “Marijuana is not a harmless drug; use especially affects a young person’s still developing brain," she added. BOLD youth leader Markus Watson stated that “Youth should think about consequences. Marijuana is not a harmless drug. It can be addictive. Youth need to get that message," he added. “No matter where one stands on the issue of marijuana, it is clear that marijuana use poses risk of harm to the health and welfare of our young people and we can all agree to protect them,” stated Kim Fielding Rodrigues, BOLD Coalition communication director. Campaign posters and cards are available by contacting BOLD Coalition director Karen Fischer at 508-324-3537. Resources include a 60" video and audio public service announcements as well as PDF and GIF images of posters and cards that can be used in print or on-line.  

(Top row, left) Bristol Community College (BCC) Health Service Director Carol Constantine, R.N. signs in public relations course students Corey Stroh and Kevin Pare who helped to design campaign materials. (Top row, center) Building Our Lives Drug-free (BOLD) Coalition Director Karen Fischer summarizes some of the recent research on the effects of marijuana use as BOLD Communications Director Kim Fielding Rodrigues listens. (Top row, right) Fall River Police Chief Daniel Racine points out that it is much easier to prevent drug abuse than it is to prosecute users. (Middle row) B.M.C. Durfee Junior and BOLD youth leader Markus Watson describes the reasons he does not use marijuana. (Bottom row, left) Speaking on behalf of Mayor Will Flanagan, Neighborhood Association coordinator Perry Long conveys the Mayor's support for the campaign. (Bottom row, center) BOLD Coalition communications director Kim Fielding Rodrigues shows Bristol Community College president Jack Sbrega one of the posters warning young people of brain changes due to marijuana use as BCC Civic Engagement Coordinator Jennifer Boulay looks on. (Bottom row, right) BOLD Coalition director Karen Fischer holds several of the informational cards that will be distributed during the campaign as Perry Long and Bristol Community College nurse Carol Constantine look on.