AWARENESS Inc Spearheading Substance Abuse Prevention in Ulster County

Welcome Hudson Valley to this week’s edition of IN TOUCH, the award-winning public affairs and issues program that runs across Townsquare Media of the Hudson Valley radio stations.  

 This week’s guest is AWARENESS Inc. AWARENESS was started by Marie Shultis 17 years ago.  

AWARENESS  started as a Mentoring Program as a result of an underage drinking party. The program was started to change the culture of substance use for future generations. 

It was defined as a teen initiated prevention program in Ulster County with adult guidance. It is aimed at giving middle school youth alternative activities provided by High School students who complete training created by Ulster County Mental Health Association to promote pro-social skills during recreational activities that constitute healthy alternatives to drug and alcohol use.   

The Awareness Alcohol Program was formed in 2007 when teen Mentors reached out to their peers that were involved in a fatal drunk driving car crash on prom night that took the life of a friend. In 2009 AWARENESS expanded to cover substance use. 

In the last 17 years, AWARENESS has worked diligently in the Hudson Valley to help saves lives. They have won multiple Chronogrammy Awards for Youth Advocacy, including this year. 

 This episode is a bit different from other episodes. Today, you’re going to hear from many individuals speaking about their experience with AWARENESS. Marie Shultis will be popping in every once and a while, but the focus of this episode is the many voices that make up this program and give it life. There is a lot to get into, so we are just going to jump into all clips. 

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This has been this week’s edition of IN TOUCH, the award-winning public affairs and issues program that runs across Townsquare Media of the Hudson Valley radio stations. We want to give a big thank you to Marie Shultis and friends. For more information on AWARENESS Inc, visit awarenessinc.org. You can reach out to Marie about AWARENESS by calling or texting 845-417-1484. Of course, all links and information can be found in the description of this episode. 

Whether you’ve been listening for a while or you have just joined us, thank you! You can find In Touch episodes new and old on your favorite streaming services like Spotify, Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, Stitcher and more! That, and listen On Demand with your Townsquare Radio Station Mobile App. Of course, you can still find all articles and audio under the In Touch Tab on this radio station’s app and website. And don’t forget, we are also on YouTube, Facebook, and Instagram @intouch_hv. 

 If you like what we do here on In Touch, and want to be on the show, let us know! Whether you have a topic you want discussed or you want to be a guest, the best way to contact us is through our office number 845-471-1500 or email direct to conor.walsh@townsquaremedia.com.  

I’ve been your host, Conor Walsh. Until next time, stay curious, keep an open mind, and as always, I’m glad we get to Spend Some Time.