New Drug Free Chenango Chairperson Sarah Nucero shakes hands with new Drug Free Communities Coordinator Haley Taylor. (Submitted photo)

NORWICH – Drug Free Chenango, previously known as the Chenango Substance Abuse Prevention Coalition, recently announced several changes to the core of its organization including the new name, a new chair, and a new drug free communities’ coordinator.

According to the new Drug Free Chenango Chairperson Sarah Nucero, a number of changes have come to the coalition with the hope that it will be able to better serve the needs of the community.

Nucero has been employed by Chenango County Behavioral Health since 2016 and was elected as the chairperson for Drug Free Chenango in May.

“I decided to do this in part because of my profession, but also to try and help the community as a whole,” said Nucero. “I live and grew up here, and I’m hoping that we will be able to help provide and maintain services for people struggling with substance use and as well as addiction recovery, along with offering the amazing prevention resources through the Drug Free Communities Support Program.”

Nucero said in addition to the new name, the coalition also hired a new Drug Free Communities Coordinator.

“We’re so excited to work with our new Drug Free Communities Coordinator Haley Taylor,” said Nucero. “Haley and I previously worked together at Behavioral Health, and I think she’ll be a great fit for the organization.”

When asked about her background and the position Taylor said she received a Bachelor’s Degree in Criminal Justice from Morrisville State College in 2019, and has years of experience in the human services field.

“In my senior year in college I started working in The House of The Good Shepherd as part of the raise the age program,” said Taylor. “I started as a direct care worker, and in approximately two months I was promoted to a behavior support specialist.”

“From there I moved to the foster care program where I was a social worker for a year.”

Taylor said this is a position where she can continue to serve the community, and she thinks it’s going to be a great partnership.

Anyone interested in learning more about the coalition may call Taylor at 607-337-4505.

- Submitted by Drug Free Chenango