The Gloucester Youth Council is excited to premier their new public service announcement about the effects of teen marijuana use.

The GYC will present the PSA and discuss the effects of teen marijuana use at a community wide forum on October 8 at the Rose Baker Senior Center from 6-7 pm. All are welcome to attend.

“We want to change teens’ perspective of marijuana use,” says GYC member Hannah Zuidema. “Many people believe that marijuana is not addictive and not harmful, but it actually is. Hopefully this event will educate more people on the negative effects of using this drug.”

The public service announcement, “One Text, Two Decisions: It’s Your Choice,” was created by the GYC and Cape Ann TV last spring. Gloucester Stage Company’s Heidi Dallin also helped create the video.

The Gloucester Youth Council is a community advocate for youth and strives to end teen substance use and abuse. They are the number one chapter for the 84 Movement, a statewide youth movement against tobacco companies, for the second consecutive year in a row.

The Council has also conducted many successful anti-substance use campaigns and projects since their start in 2012. Cristina Hildebrand recently took over as the new adviser for the group.

“I am excited to become a part of the Gloucester Youth Council,” said Hildebrand. “The energy in this group for creating positive changes around substance use issues is infectious.”

Join the Gloucester Youth Council on October 8th to see their new public service announcement and take part in a discussion about teen marijuana use.

If you or someone you know is interested in joining the group, contact Cristina Hildebrand at [email protected]