Just Say Something Podcast, Episode #36

On this week’s episode, CEO/Philip Clark sits down with Alison Rauch, the Public
Information Coordinator at Greer CPW to discuss the critical community partnership
and initiatives aimed at promoting environmental safety and public health.

For the past eight years, Alison has been instrumental in strengthening community relations and
promoting environmental initiatives in Greer, South Carolina, by managing
communications and community outreach efforts for CPW. With an impressive
background in public relations, her expertise lies in coordinating events like the bi-
annual drug take-back days and advocating for eco-friendly utility practices.
The focus of their conversation is the upcoming bi-annual drug take-back day, a
collaborative effort to prevent drug misuse and protect the environment. Alison shares
with Phil the history of Greer CPW's involvement in the drug take-back program, which
has successfully removed over 1,500 pounds of pills from the streets. She tells Phil,
"These addictions start at home in grandma's medicine cabinets, and then it builds to
something stronger out on the streets."

They delve into the logistics of these events, the importance of proper medication disposal, and how community partnerships enhance these initiatives.

Additionally, Philip introduces a new endeavor by Just Say Something – the distribution
of lockable prescription vials to prevent medication theft. They discuss the
broader impact of these efforts on community health and ecosystem preservation.
Alison illustrates her message by explaining, "We took a bottle that had a 1985 date on
it. It had disintegrated so much we couldn't even get it out."

Key Takeaways:

-Environmental Impact: Understand the detrimental effects of improper
medication disposal on water ecosystems and how community efforts can
mitigate this.
-Community Partnerships: Discover the strength and importance of community
partnerships in enhancing public health initiatives.
-Lockable Prescription Vials: Get introduced to Just Say Something's new
initiative to distribute lockable prescription vials to reduce medication theft and
misuse.
-Engagement and Outreach: Insights on how CPW engages with the community
beyond utility services, highlighting their commitment to public service and
environmental stewardship.

For more information, please visit us at www.justsaysomethingsc.org or give us a call at
(864)467-4099.

Greer City of Public Works can be reached at www.greercpw.com.

#justsaysomethingpodcast #phillipclark #alisonrauch #greercpw #lockablevials
#drugtakebackday #communityengagement #1500pounds

In this week's episode of Just Say Something’s weekly podcast, CEO Phil Clark takes
center stage to discuss the highly anticipated Red Ribbon Week. With over three
decades at Just Say Something, Phil provides an authoritative voice on the importance
and logistics of this annual event, designed to promote drug prevention across schools,
churches, and communities. Under his leadership, Just Say Something has become
known for its impactful initiatives, particularly Red Ribbon Week, which aims to raise
awareness about drug prevention.Phil provides a brief history of Red Ribbon Week, slated for October 23-31 each year.

Highlighting the national origins rooted in the tragic story of DEA agent Enrique
Camarena, who was kidnapped and killed while fighting against drug trafficking, Phil
emphasizes the enduring significance of this week in keeping his legacy alive.

He also dives into the range of free supplies Just Say Something and the Power Collective offer to schools and
community groups—ranging from wristbands to banners—to help make the event more
engaging and educational. Phil explains the easy steps to order these resources,
focusing on deadlines and pickup dates to ensure community preparation. He says,
"Our Red Ribbon notebook, has ideas, themes, program request forms, order forms, and so much information."

Key Takeaways:

-Red Ribbon Week History: Originates from the story of DEA agent Enrique Camarena.
-Free Supplies: Just Say Something provides free resources for schools and
communities, including wristbands, banners, pledge cards, and stickers. Visit our website to request!
-Order Process: Supplies must be ordered by September 27, with pickups
scheduled for October 17 and 18. Fill out the forms on our website under the Red Ribbon Week section.
-Community Engagement: Encouragement for schools and groups to participate
actively, even suggesting fundraising options like Pennies for Prevention.

For more information, please visit us at www.justsaysomethingsc.org or give us a call at
(864)467-4099.

#justsaysomethingpodcast #philclark #powercollective #redribbonweek #narcosmexico
#communityengagement #preparation #commitment #drugprevention #schools

Just Say Something Podcast, Episode #34

In this episode of Just Say Something's weekly podcast, CEO Philip Clark introduces
Maureen Gavin is the latest addition to the organization's team. Maureen hails from
Orlando, Florida, and shares her journey of moving to Greenville, connecting with Just
Say Something, and secure a role within the team. Her primary responsibilities include
managing the Strengthening Families Program, the Air Preserve initiative and
supporting various intern activities. She holds a degree from the University of Central
Florida (UCF) and has experience working at a public library.

Maureen and Philip delve into the goals and successes of the Air Preserve initiative,
which aims to raise awareness and gather public opinion on secondhand smoke and
vaping in public places. They discuss ongoing efforts in the Upstate, particularly in
Mauldin and Greer, South Carolina. Additionally, they discuss upcoming events that
Just Say Something is involved in, such as a pickleball tournament, the Hispanic
Heritage Month celebration, and the Red Ribbon 5K. Community members are needed to get involved, participate in surveys, and advocate for a smoke-free environment.

Maureen sums it up by saying, "Kids especially have the right to breathe in clean air
while they are outside in a public setting."

Key Takeaways:
-Air Preserve Initiative: The project focuses on educating the public about the
dangers of secondhand smoke and gathering opinions on smoke-free public
places.
-Community Involvement: Encouragement for community members to
participate in surveys and attend city council meetings to support smoke-free
policies.
-Strengthening Families Program: Information on the program's upcoming
sessions and a call for interested families to participate.

For more information, please visit us at www.justsaysomethingsc.org or give us a call at
(864)467-4099.
#justsaysomethingpodcast #phillipclark #maureengavin #airpreserve #redribbon5k
#pickleballtournament #hispanicheritagemonth #communityinvolvement #families

Upcoming Events:

o Pickleball Tournament: September 19-22 at East Riverside Park, Greer
o Hispanic Heritage Month Event: September 29 at Good Art Company, 10
Central Avenue, Greenville
o Red Ribbon 5K: October 6 at Sugar Creek, Greer