BRIEN CENTER RECEIVES $2000 CONTRIBUTION FROM BERKSHIRE DISTRICT ATTORNEY'S OFFICE
District Attorney David F. Capeless today announced the donation of $2,000 to the Patrick Miller Youth Substance Abuse Program of the Brien Center. The Program was founded in 2005 by Miller’s family as a response to their son’s overdose death. The donation is the sixth in a series of annual contributions totaling $13,000. The money comes from illegal proceeds seized from drug dealers by the county-wide Drug Task Force and forfeited by the courts for law enforcement investigations and community education and prevention efforts aimed at reducing substance abuse.
District Attorney Capeless said, “The Patrick Miller Program serves a much needed role in our community. Substance abuse among our youth, whether underage drinking or the abuse of illicit or prescription drugs, is a serious problem and, while we in law enforcement are fully prepared to fight against those who profit from it, institutions such as the Brien Center and their Patrick Miller Program are necessary to provide the counseling and support that will prevent many young people from getting involved, or getting too far involved, with these substances that can destroy their lives. The Miller family should be remembered and thanked for the generosity that came from their loss, and I am proud to assist their efforts. It is wholly appropriate that these monies, now to be used to help our young people build a clear and sober future for themselves, are taken from the efforts of a few who set out to destroy that future before it had begun.”
M. Christine Macbeth, Interim CEO of the Brien Center says, “The Brien Center sincerely appreciates its collaborative relationship with District Attorney Capeless and his team. The Brien Center and the DA’s office are jointly committed to investing in early intervention and the prevention of substance abuse among Berkshire County youth. The DA’s office’s contribution of $2000 to our Patrick Miller Youth Substance Abuse Program will be used to educate our young people about the dangers of substance use and the very negative impact it can have on their lives. ‘An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure’ sounds so cliché, but it makes absolute sense in this case. The more we invest in our youth, the better prepared they are to successfully navigate the challenges that confront them daily. They’ll have a better opportunity to realize their potential and most importantly their dreams.”
Ms. Macbeth adds, “we are very thankful for the generosity of Mr. Capeless and the DA’s office and look forward to continuing our affiliation and shared goals to stop underage substance use and protect the young people of our community. This contribution helps us to continue our mission of education and prevention in Berkshire County”.