National Night Out Set for Aug. 4 in Somerville

NATIONAL NIGHT OUT SET FOR AUG. 4 IN SOMERVILLE

"America's Night Out Against Crime" to feature public safety demonstrations, children's activities, and more.

SOMERVILLE - Somerville's 12th annual National Night Out Against Crime and Drugs, hosted by Somerville Cares About Prevention (SCAP) in partnership with the Somerville Police Department and Somerville Office of Prevention (SOP), is scheduled for Tuesday, Aug. 4 from 5 to 8 p.m. at Foss Park, and will include Fire and Police Department demonstrations, a presentation from the Massachusetts State Police K-9 unit, live performances by the Somerville Sunsetters, Mission Church of Christ Choir, and Teen Empowerment, as well as youth activities, raffle prizes, and information tables from over 30 neighborhood agencies.

This year's event will have a special focus on prevention of prescription misuse and overdose prevention. Residents may bring unused prescription medications to a drop-off site at the Somerville Police Department information table at the event, which will be located near the fire engines. Also, Police and Fire Department personnel will be available to answer questions about the Good Samaritan Law and Narcan administration in the City of Somerville.

Sponsored by the National Association of Town Watch and Target Inc., National Night Out is an opportunity for communities to heighten crime and drug prevention awareness, improve community-police relationships, generate support for anti-crime programs, and build community spirit. Almost 38 million people in more than 16,000 communities across the United States are using National Night Out to send a message to criminals that neighborhoods are united and fighting back.

For more information, visit http://www.nationalnightout.org/.

SCAP is a community-based coalition supported by the City of Somerville's Health and Human Services Department. SCAP's mission is to reduce substance abuse among the residents of Somerville, as well as the harms associated with such use. For more information or to become involved with strategies to reduce substance abuse, please contact Cory Mashburn, SOP Director, at (617) 625-6600 x2570 or cmashburn@somervillema.gov.