Archive for year: 2023
Barry Merluzzo, Prevention Coordinator for the Partnership for Substance Free Youth
Barry Merluzzo (he/him) attended Salem State University in Massachusetts and obtained an AAS degree in Forestry and a BS degree in Criminal Justice.
Prior to joining RHA, Barry served as a park ranger, program coordinator and as a director promoting recovery, wellness, horticultural therapy, and environmental education initiatives for several nonprofit organizations and agencies.
Barry spends his free time exploring and photographing the natural world and its diverse landscapes. He also enjoys hiking, caving, beekeeping, and gardening.
Barry relocated to Asheville 3 years ago and currently lives in Arden NC with his partner Camille, two cats (Tammy and Bucky) and many, many plants.
Bri Plummer, Prevention Specialist II for the Partnership for Substance Free Youth
Bri Plummer (she/her) is the new Prevention Specialist II at RHA Prevention Resource Centers in Asheville. She was born and raised in Western North Carolina and currently lives in Waynesville.
This past August she obtained her Master of Public Health in Epidemiology from Emory University. Before that, she got her Bachelor of Arts in Psychology with a minor in Public Health.
Substance use prevention has always been her passion and focus since she was in middle school, where she participated and co-founded the Western North Carolina branch of Teen Institute. She looks forward to learning more about this field and she is excited to be a part of RHA and the Partnership for Substance Free Youth.
Some fun facts about Bri are that her favorite animal is the manatee, she collects stickers, loves coffee, and has two beautiful pets (Kuma the Akita and Traffy the Calico).
The Partnership for Substance Free Youth in Buncombe County (PSFYBC) is taking part in the semi-annual National Drug Enforcement Agency Prescription Take Back Day Saturday, April 22 at several locations across Buncombe County.
PSFYBC is collaborating with local law enforcement and businesses from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at three locations Saturday. These drug take-back events allow the community to safely dispose of unused or expired medicines in a convenient and responsible way.
Saturday’s event will take place at multiple locations across Buncombe County from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.:
Sheriff’s Satellite Office: 339 New Leicester Hwy
Asheville Outlets: 800 Brevard Rd.
Mission Hospital: 1 Hospital Drive
Radioactive medications, such as cancer medications, cannot be accepted at the take-back event. Needles or sharps will also not be accepted.
“Our drug take backs are a great opportunity to clean out your medicine cabinets and safely and anonymously turn in prescription drugs. This is a safe and practical way to prevent opioid and prescription medication-related deaths,” states Buncombe County Sheriff Quentin Miller