The following is from the OASIS group (Organizing Against Substances In Stoughton): The Prescription Drug Disposal kiosk at the Stoughton Police station has been getting a lot of use lately.  This is great news - the more you use the drop box to dispose of unused and unwanted prescription medication, the less chance there is for those drugs to be misused. The kiosk is available in the lobby of the Police Station 24/7 for the disposal of medication, no questions asked. However, as the box is getting more use, OASIS and the Police Department want to remind people about the kinds of things that …

The following is written by Stephanie Patton, Organizing Against Substances In Stoughton (OASIS) Coordinator: The holidays can be risky for teens when it comes to alcohol and other drugs. This is a time of year when there are lots of celebrations, many that involve alcohol.   In a 2010 study published in the Journal of Consulting and Clinical Psychology, statistics from New Year’s Day in 2009 demonstrated this fact.  On that day, the number of minors that ended up in the emergency room because of drinking was almost four times the average daily figure. Here are a few tips from the Organizing …

EDITOR'S NOTE: The medical marijuana ballot initiative (Question 3) passed statewide in this November’s Presidential Election, with 63 percent of Massachusetts voters supporting it. Only two communities statewide - Mendon and Lawrence - voted against Question 3. Stoughton voters favored it 60% to 40%. “This proposed law would eliminate state criminal and civil penalties for the medical use of marijuana by qualifying patients,” according to the Secretary of State’s website. “It allows patients meeting certain conditions to obtain marijuana produced and distributed by new state-regulated …

Editor's Note: The following is submitted to Stoughton Patch by OASIS. OASIS (Organizing Against Substances In Stoughton) partners with a diverse group of people and agencies that offer various support for: families, education in schools, policy development and after-school programs. *** Thursday, November 16, marked the American Cancer Society’s 37th Great American Smokeout. The annual event raises awareness around the harms of tobacco use and encourages users to quit, for at least one day, with the hope that they will plan to quit for good. Quitting smoking improves your health, no matter …

Editor's Note: The following is written by Dan Tarlin, a clinical social worker and Licensed Alcohol & Drug Counselor at Westwood Lodge Hospital, where he directs the Partial Hospital Programs for children, adolescents, and adults.  He has been working in the field for over twenty years and is a charter member of OASIS. OASIS (Organizing Against Substances In Stoughton) partners with a diverse group of people and agencies that offer various support for: families, education in schools, policy development and after-school programs. *** A Duke University study on the impact of marijuana use was …

The following is another column from OASIS (Organizing Against Substances In Stoughton), a coalition of representatives from: the Stoughton Youth Commission, Schools, Police, District Attorney’s Office, Juvenile Court, Chamber of Commerce, Local Clergy, as well as various agencies within the community. *** Have you seen this sticker (posted in the media gallery)? If you haven’t seen the “We Are U-Knighted for a Healthy Stoughton” stickers around town, keep your eyes peeled.  They may be coming soon to an organization or business near you! But what is We Are U-Knighted? Currently, in Stoughton…

The following is another column from OASIS (Organizing Against Substances In Stoughton), a coalition of representatives from: the Stoughton Youth Commission, Schools, Police, District Attorney’s Office, Juvenile Court, Chamber of Commerce, Local Clergy, as well as various agencies within the community. *** It is hard to believe that summer is coming to a close and it is time to go back to school. At OASIS we are gearing up for another great year of supporting the healthy choices that most of our Stoughton youth are already making and also continuing to work at preventing local youth from …

The following is another column from OASIS (Organizing Against Substances In Stoughton), a coalition of representatives from: the Stoughton Youth Commission, Schools, Police, District Attorney’s Office, Juvenile Court, Chamber of Commerce, Local Clergy, as well as various agencies within the community. *** With students out of school and parents at work, the summer months provide a prime opportunity for teens to make unhealthy choices. What can parents do about it, though?  Here are some tips: Set summertime rules: Make clear your rules regarding unsupervised time spent with friends, as well …

The following is written by Dan Tarlin of OASIS. Tarlin is a clinical social worker and Licensed Alcohol & Drug Counselor at Westwood Lodge Hospital, where he directs the Partial Hospital Programs for children, adolescents, and adults.   He has been working in the field for over twenty years and is a charter member of OASIS. OASIS (Organizing Against Substances In Stoughton) partners with a diverse group of people and agencies that offer various support for: families, education in schools, policy development and after-school programs. *** If you thought the only drugs endangering young people…

Hello, my name is Karen Hall and I wanted to introduce myself.  Some of you know me as the Youth Commission Director and some of you know me as the Council on Aging Director (I wear many hats). A select few also know me as MOM.   My third (tenth) hat is co-chair of the O.A.S.I.S. community coalition.  As you get to know and hear the many different voices of O.A.S.I.S. you see we each bring something unique to the coalition and to Stoughton.  In both aspects of my work I see people doing amazing things: working, volunteering, taking care of family (both young and wise) cleaning off cars in …

The following is written by Dan Tarlin of OASIS. Dan Tarlin is a clinical social worker and Licensed Alcohol & Drug Counselor at Westwood Lodge Hospital, where he directs the Partial Hospital Programs for children, adolescents, and adults.  He has been working in the field for over twenty years and is a charter member of OASIS. OASIS (Organizing Against Substances In Stoughton) partners with a diverse group of people and agencies that offer various support for: families, education in schools, policy development and after-school programs. *** Marijuana Series Part 2 – How Do I Know if I Have a…

This edition of OASIS on the Move is written by Kayla Bagley. Kayla is doing a PR internship with OASIS through Bridgewater State College. Kayla is a former SHS student. *** The Oasis Coalition is proud to announce that during the Safe Prom Event on Monday, February 13, 2012, 110 Safe Prom Contracts were signed.  Hopefully, this means that at least 110 conversations took place between seniors and their parents about alcohol and other drugs, and family expectations.  We would like to a give a big thanks to everyone who made this event possible, the SHS administration and faculty, local …

The following is written by Dan Tarlin of OASIS. Dan Tarlin is a clinical social worker and Licensed Alcohol & Drug Counselor at Westwood Lodge Hospital, where he directs the Partial Hospital Programs for children, adolescents, and adults.  He has been working in the field for over twenty years and is a charter member of OASIS. OASIS (Organizing Against Substances In Stoughton) partners with a diverse group of people and agencies that offer various support for: families, education in schools, policy development and after-school programs. *** Marijuana Series Part 1 – Is Marijuana Dangerous? …

The following is written by Dan Tarlin of OASIS. Tarlin is a clinical social worker and Licensed Alcohol & Drug Counselor at Westwood Lodge Hospital, where he directs the Partial Hospital Programs for children, adolescents, and adults.  He has been working in the field for over twenty years and is a charter member of OASIS. OASIS (Organizing Against Substances In Stoughton) partners with a diverse group of people and agencies that offer various support for: families, education in schools, policy development and after-school programs. *** Good news came again in December 2011 regarding …

This week's OASIS on the Move is written by Kayla Bagley. Kayla is doing a PR internship with OASIS through Bridgewater State College. Kayla is a former SHS student. *** For the second year in a row, the OASIS Coalition is partnering with Stoughton High School to hold a Safe Prom Event on Monday, February 13, from 7 p.m. - 8:30 p.m. in the SHS Cafeteria. This event will include a fun fashion show where students will be modeling this season’s latest prom attire. Fairy Tales Formals will be providing dresses and tuxes for the show.  Along with the fashion show, there will be a vendor fair and …

This is another bi-weekly installment from OASIS (Organizing Against Substances In Stoughton), a coalition of representatives from: Stoughton Youth Commission, Schools, Police, District Attorney’s Office, Juvenile Court, Chamber of Commerce, Local Clergy, as well as various agencies within the community. *** This is the third installment in the “Conversations with your Kids” Series from OASIS.  The first two installments focused on discussions with Elementary and Middle School children. Conversations are one of the most powerful tools parents can use to connect with — and protect — their kids…

This is another bi-weekly installment from OASIS (Organizing Against Substances In Stoughton), a coalition of representatives from the Stoughton Youth Commission, Schools, Police, District Attorney’s Office, Juvenile Court, Chamber of Commerce, Local Clergy, as well as various agencies within the community. *** This is the second installment in the “Conversations with your Kids” Series from OASIS.  The first installment focused on discussions with elementary school children. Conversations are one of the most powerful tools parents can use to connect with — and protect — their kids. But, when …

This is another bi-weekly installment from OASIS (Organizing Against Substances In Stoughton), a coalition of representatives from the Stoughton Youth Commission, Schools, Police, District Attorney’s Office, Juvenile Court, Chamber of Commerce, Local Clergy, as well as various agencies within the community. *** This is the first installment in the “Conversations with your Kids” Series from OASIS, dealing with discussions with elementary school-aged children.  The next two installments will focus on discussions with middle school and high school children. Conversations are one of the most …

This is another bi-weekly installment from OASIS (Organizing Against Substances In Stoughton), a coalition of representatives from: Stoughton Youth Commission, Schools, Police, District Attorney’s Office, Juvenile Court, Chamber of Commerce, Local Clergy, as well as various agencies within the community.  *** With the holiday season upon us, it's time to remind your teen that driving is a G.I.F.T. that requires: Good Judgment Individual Responsibility Fact Knowledge Time to Practice Encourage your teen to use good judgment when selecting activities, especially when it comes to times when he …

Submitted by OASIS (Organizing Against Substances In Stoughton): On Oct. 15, OASIS sponsored a Prescription Take Back program at the O’Donnell Middle School, in conjunction with the town’s HAZMAT day. Volunteers from OASIS, a local pharmacy, and the Visiting Nurses Association staffed a table responsible for gathering unused prescription drugs from the community.  “Extra” pain and other controlled drugs left in medicine cabinets at home are a significant source of drug abuse, particularly for teenagers who are curious about the effects.  Getting these drugs out of homes and properly …