HISTORY OF HAPSA
In 1984 the community-based group, Hanover Drug and Alcohol Task Force was formulated. This was the direct result of former First Lady Nancy Regan’s “Just Say No to Drugs” program. Approximately ten years later the name was changed to the Hanover Alliance Against Alcohol and Drugs (HAAAD). The Governor's Alliance funded small amounts of money for a community alliance to inform the community about the threats of drug and alcohol abuse and to provide programs with information for awareness. Some of the founding members of the original group from twenty years ago included State Representative Janet O'Brien, Police Chief Paul Hayes, Betty Joy of Toughlove, and residents Teresa Milan and Aretta Kotalis.  The Alliance went beyond being just an anti-drug and alcohol group, and it became pro-active with extensive community involvement.  There are currently approximately eighty members on its mailing list representing the police department, educators, parents, students, Hanover clergy, the business community, service organizations, and residents.  The Alliance sponsors and/or supports many community related programs that support youth involvement. In 1995, members of the Alliance voted to change the name of their organization from the Hanover Alliance Against Alcohol and Drugs (HAAAD) to a less intimidating name, the Hanover Alliance for the Prevention of Substance Abuse (HAPSA).  The decision was made to change the name because the name HAAAD was somewhat intimidating and misleading and might have been keeping potential members away.  The Alliance does not make judgments on responsible adults who choose to drink or on those who use medications for various health reasons.  It is not against alcohol and drugs, but it against the abuse of alcohol and drugs and concerned with preventing that abuse.

The Alliance holds monthly meetings during which the needs of the community are identified and an action plan is put into effect.  Innovative programs are presented and reviewed, and updates by sub-committees for community activities are reported.  Most programs require in-depth planning which cover several months until the final product is complete.

PEOPLE TO CONTACT FOR MORE INFORMATION
Paul Hayes, Chief of Police (781) 826-3231
Mary Stagno, Health Educator-Hanover Schools (781) 871-1122