CARIBOU, Maine — Aroostook Substance Abuse Prevention (ASAP), a program of Cary Medical Center’s Power of Prevention, recently announced the promotion of Mark Shea to the position of project director.
ASAP, which serves all of Aroostook County, is funded through the Federal Drug Free Communities (DFC) Support Program, which seeks to establish and strengthen collaboration within and among communities to support the efforts of community coalitions to prevent and reduce substance abuse among youth.
Shea began working with ASAP in November 2013 as community outreach coordinator. With broad experience in management, marketing, communications and special events, a proven track record of building partnerships with both private and public sector businesses and organizations, and an extensive background working with youth, Shea was a natural choice for the position.
“Mark is a bridge-builder,” stated Bill Flagg, Cary’s public relations director and ASAP board member. “During his tenure with ASAP thus far, Mark has connected well with multiple community stakeholders, and built a number of positive relationships within the Aroostook County community.
“He is also a good organizer, and has really established some very dynamic events,” continued Flagg, “including the ‘Hidden In Plain Sight’ program, which is designed to educate parents and other adults about risky adolescent behavior. Mark is a very valuable member of our staff, and I look forward to working with him as we move our program forward.”
Shea will be responsible for overall program implementation and operation, including initiating, planning, organizing, leading and implementing projects, programs and activities to achieve the mission of the DFC grant, with a primary focus on alcohol, marijuana, prescription drugs and other emerging issues within the communities served.
“I’ve always put a lot of passion into everything I do,” said Shea, “and the effort to reduce the rates of youth substance abuse in Aroostook County is something that I care about deeply. I am eager to lead ASAP in fostering a healthier, safer, and more productive environment for youth in our area.”
To learn more about ASAP’s substance abuse prevention programs, contact Shea at 498-9952 or via email at mshea@carymed.org.
