Youth Health Rally Returns to Dutchess County

This October, the Northern Dutchess Community Coalition (NDCC), in collaboration with the Council on Addiction Prevention and Education (CAPE), will bring back its popular Youth Health Rally after a three-year hiatus. Hosted at Dutchess Stadium, this fourth annual event is offered to current 8th
grade public and private school students, free of charge.

On Thursday, October 13, from 9 a.m. to 12:30 p.m., local Dutchess County middle schools are invited to bring their 8th grade students to this half day field trip experience designed to promote healthy alternatives to risky behaviors and drug free lifestyles.

“After three years away, we couldn’t be happier to bring the Youth Health Rally back to the students of Dutchess County,” said Cristine Groenewegen, agency director of CAPE. “Along with a selection of dynamic speakers that are sure to inspire students to resist peer pressure and learn effective refusal skills, there will also be local businesses and other vendors positioned throughout the stadium with resources and activities for students to promote both mental and physical health.”

Upon arrival, all students will receive a swag bag filled with helpful information, resources and fun giveaways; lunch is also provided and a DJ will be on hand to spin tunes and provide entertainment. In the event of rain, the Rally will be held on Friday, October 14.

Northern Dutchess Community Coalition (NDCC)

Founded in 2009 by a group of concerned community members and volunteers in response to increased reports of risky behaviors by local youth, including substance abuse and underage drinking, the Northern Dutchess Community Coalition (NDCC) began offering educational forums, trainings and town halls to raise awareness around these issues. It has since expanded its mission to address the changing landscape by directly informing youth of the dangers of vaping and marijuana use, while promoting positive mental health choices.

In late 2019, working under the guidance of the Council on Addiction Prevention and Education of Dutchess County (CAPE), the NDCC was awarded a five-year, Federal Drug Free Communities Grant, governed by the Center for Disease Control (CDC). With the support of this grant, the NDCC is expanding its outreach within Northern Dutchess communities, including Rhinebeck, Red Hook, Millbrook, Pine Plains, Webutuck, Amenia, Northeast, Millerton, Tivoli, Milan, Clinton and Hyde Park.

For more information on the NDCC, or to learn how to get involved, head to Facebook.