September 8, 2006

MGH Charlestown program recognized

The Charlestown Substance Abuse Coalition (CSAC), a program of MGH Community Benefit and the MGH Charlestown HealthCare Center, has been named one of Boston's Top 10 Crime Watch Groups of the Year by the Boston Police Department (BPD). CSAC was one of ten community groups, each representing a BPD district, recognized for outstanding work and collaboration with the BPD and Boston Community Service Office.

Boston Mayor Thomas M. Menino, Acting Boston Police Department Commissioner Albert E. Goslin, Superintendent Robert Dunford and Judith Wright, director of the BPD Neighborhood Crime Watch Unit, presented the award to CSAC members at the 2006 National Night Out Awards reception July 31 at the John Hancock Conference Center.

On Aug. 1, CSAC also was recognized as the Crime Watch Group of the Year for BPD District A-1, at the annual National Night Out event in Chinatown. Mayor Menino presented members of CSAC with the award for the group's crime prevention efforts.

National Night Out Boston 2006 is the 23rd annual citywide celebration of empowering peace throughout the city of Boston. This program cultivates and strengthens partnerships between the community, youth, police, city agencies and community-based organizations.

Beth Rosenshein, director of CSAC, accepted the award along with community residents who are active coalition members. "We are particularly proud to have been nominated by District A-1 Captain Bernard P. O'Rourke and Sergeant Thomas W. Lema, Jr.," says Rosenshein. "Both officers have been active supporters and participants in all of our efforts to reduce substance abuse and increase the safety and quality of life in our neighborhoods. This acknowledgment and award speaks to the fact that we have established a true collaboration between the Boston Police Department and the community through the coalition."

CSAC was established in February 2004 to address the substance abuse problem and its consequences in the Charlestown neighborhood. The community-based coalition consists of more than 60 members, including residents, businesses, organizations and advocates who work together to reduce substance abuse, offer programs to families in need and protect the futures of area youth. Above, Rosenshein accepts the crime watch award on behalf of CSAC from Mayor Menino.