On January 15, DISC Village continued its commitment to education, prevention, and community partnership through a virtual presentation for families involved with the local Head Start program. The presentation was led by Lisa Sherry, Community Outreach Coordinator with DISC Village, and focused on agency programs, services, and practical harm reduction strategies that support families navigating today’s opioid landscape.
Partnering With Families Through Head Start
The opportunity to speak with families was made possible through an invitation from Tracey Bray, Parent Engagement Coordinator with the Capital Area Community Action Agency, the administering agency for the local Head Start program. Head Start plays a vital role in supporting families by providing early childhood education, family engagement, and access to resources that strengthen long-term well-being.
By partnering with trusted community organizations like Head Start, DISC Village helps ensure families receive accurate information, compassionate guidance, and access to support services when they need them most.
A Focus on Education, Harm Reduction, and Medication Safety
During the virtual parent meeting, Ms. Sherry presented to 18 families, sharing an overview of DISC Village’s programs and services, including prevention, treatment, recovery, and peer-based supports. A key component of the presentation centered on harm reduction strategies that help address the opioid epidemic while prioritizing safety, dignity, and health.
Topics discussed included:
- Understanding harm reduction as a public health approach
- Medication safety and proper storage in the home
- Awareness of opioid overdose risk and prevention
- How families can access community-based resources and support
The presentation emphasized that harm reduction strategies are designed to protect individuals, families, and communities while reducing preventable harm.
Providing Resources Beyond the Presentation
To ensure families had ongoing access to information, handout materials outlining DISC Village programs and services were shared with families following the meeting. These resources were forwarded to Ms. Bray to distribute, allowing parents to review the information at their own pace and share it with others who may benefit.
Access to clear, reliable information empowers families to make informed decisions and seek support early.
Strengthening Community Connections
Community outreach events like this reflect DISC Village’s ongoing mission to support individuals and families affected by substance use disorder through education, prevention, and connection to care. By engaging directly with parents and caregivers, DISC Village helps reduce stigma, increase awareness, and build pathways to support.
DISC Village is grateful for the partnership with the Capital Area Community Action Agency and Head Start, and for the opportunity to engage with families in meaningful, prevention-focused conversations.
To learn more about DISC Village programs and services, or to explore prevention and harm reduction resources, connect with our team to learn how we can support you and your family.
About Head Start
Head Start is a federally funded program that promotes school readiness for young children from low-income families through education, health, and family engagement services. Locally, Head Start is administered by the Capital Area Community Action Agency, supporting families across the region.