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June 30, 2025
To: John M. Zavalick, School Resource Officer, Colchester Police
From: Russell Melmed, Chair, Colchester Youth Services Advisory Board
Officer Zavalick,
At the June 30, 2025, special meeting of the Colchester Youth Services Advisory Board, a
majority of members of the board voted to approve your request for an allocation from the
Opioid Settlement Fund for the costs associated with the implementation of a school therapy
dog program.
The justification for approving this expense under the settlement agreement can be found in
Exhibit E, Schedule B, Part Two, Section G: Prevent Misuse of Opioids
Number 11. Support evidence-informed programs or curricula to address mental health needs
of young people who may be at risk of misusing opioids or other drugs, including
emotional modulation and resilience skills.
Based on your presentation to the Board at our June 4, 2025 meeting and a review of your
written proposal, the trained therapy dog will be deployed in Colchester Public Schools during
normal school hours, and will participate in existing school-based mental health programs,
social-emotional learning groups, individual counseling sessions, and provide de-escalation
support. The presence of a certified therapy dog will enhance these evidence-based
interventions, which are expected to reach youth who are at risk of misusing opioids.
Therefore, the board has determined that this both complies with the terms of the settlement
agreement and will help prevent the misuse of opioids among youth in Colchester.
The allocation of funding under the approved motion is conditional on approval of the
program by the Colchester Board of Education. Under the approved motion, you are
authorized to spend up to $2,500 from the Opioid Settlement Fund over 1-year on the
following:
Therapy Training & Certification
Veterinary Care
Grooming
Food
Supplies (Crate, Leash, poop bags, toys)
Liability Insurance
We will consider additional allocations to support future years if the program is successful and
as funding allows.
860-537-7255 | youthservices@colchesterct.gov | colchesterct.gov
127 Norwich Avenue, Colchester, CT 06415
Respectfully Submitted,
Russell S. Melmed
Chair, Colchester Youth Services Advisory Board
Youth First Coalition
CC: Colchester Board of Selectmen
Colchester Board of Education
Colchester Youth and Social Services
860-537-7255 | youthservices@colchesterct.gov | colchesterct.gov
127 Norwich Avenue, Colchester, CT 06415