East Greenwich council recognizes student-led Substance Abuse Awareness Week for Feb. 9–13

Council President Mark Schwager opened the Feb. 2 meeting and introduced a resolution recognizing Feb. 9–13, 2026 as Substance Abuse Awareness Week, a student-led project developed through Future Health Professionals (HOSA).

Savannah Hapel, a member of the East Greenwich High School team calling itself Youth Against Substance Abuse, told the council the group will host themed daily activities during lunch and elsewhere at the high school to raise awareness of substance use disorders and promote recovery and peer support. “We chose to focus on substance use disorder and substance abuse, which continue to be a crucial issue for youths in Rhode Island,” Hapel said. The students said they will distribute bracelets with prevention messages, hold informational presentations, and compete in HOSA’s mental‑health promotion event at the state leadership conference in March.

The council moved to adopt the resolution and approved it with a voice vote; the chair recorded the motion as carrying 4–0. The resolution encourages residents, businesses, organizations and agencies to work collaboratively to reduce stigma and support prevention and recovery. Council President Schwager thanked the students and invited them to pose for photographs after the meeting.

The recognition does not create a town program or new budget line; students and school staff said the week will be led by the pupils with support from East Greenwich School psychologist Lisa Perry and town director of prevention and support services Maria Bucci.