By Grace Allen

The Healthy KP Substance Use Prevention Coalition has a new coordinator. Karen Becker, a Wrentham resident, brings over 20 years of educational experience to the role. 

“I am passionate about cultivating relationships, fostering healthy communities and empowering students, and I am very eager to jump into this dynamic role,” Becker said. “I’m committed to nurturing the well-being, growth and connection of our community’s youth and families. I’m excited to join Healthy KP and to do my part to help reduce substance abuse among our youth.”

Formed in 2018, Healthy KP is a coalition of volunteers from various sectors of the community involved in reducing youth substance use among the communities of Plainville, Wrentham and Norfolk through youth leadership, training, policy and support.

Becker has worked with numerous health-focused nonprofit organizations and coalitions throughout her career, bringing to the role a wealth of experience in grant writing, event planning and training, program development, and creative communication strategies. 

She holds a master’s degree in education and has taught science to grades K-12. She most recently served as the transition program coordinator at Walpole High School, supporting students’ successful reintegration into school following extended absences. The parent of two children who attended King Philip schools, Becker has been active in many volunteer organizations in Wrentham: King Philip Music Association, Cultural Council, Wrentham 350, Landscape Committee, and Girl Scouts. 

Her immediate goals for the role include:

• Building coalition capacity through recruitment, engagement, and training.

• Engaging all sectors of the three communities through branding Healthy KP’s message and cultivating partnerships.

• Increasing programming and campaigns to students and families at all grade levels.

“The most effective prevention programs not only provide education and information but also provide opportunities for connection,” said Becker. “Since its inception, KP has offered programming that not only educates but also connects students, families, and community.”

She points to the Family Meals Matter campaign, which highlights the positive impact of connecting with children over family dinners, as well as the Fifth Quarter event, which provided a safe, substance-free space for students to have fun with friends after a high school football game. Most recently, Healthy KP hosted a back-to-school dance at KP Middle School.

Becker says Healthy KP will continue to offer speakers and “Hidden in Plain Site” exhibits throughout the school year. The coalition is committed to supporting parents by providing them with information and resources to talk to their children about substance use. 

“These are difficult conversations to have but we know that parents have a significant influence in their children’s decisions to experiment with alcohol and other drugs,” she said. “Feeling prepared with questions, sample answers and facts can help to make these conversations less difficult.”

King Philip is in the fifth year of a grant from the Drug-Free Communities (DFC) Support Program and will apply for another grant in the spring of 2025 to earn another five years. 

To learn more about the Healthy KP Substance Use Prevention Coalition, or how to talk to your children about vaping, alcohol, and other drugs, visit healthykp.org. To get involved with the coalition, send an email to [email protected]. 

“Together we can make a difference,” said Becker.