inFocus: Fighting teen substance abuse

CHICOPEE, Mass. (WWLP) - On 22News InFocus we'll have a special two-parter!

The first part of 22News inFocus is about teens and substance abuse. For years, communities have been partnering up with schools in an effort to curb the abuse.

In the first half hour we'll talk to members of a coalition here in Western Massachusetts who say their practices are working when it comes to getting teens to say no to drugs and alcohol and they have the numbers to prove it.

We'll hear what they're doing, what their results have been and what more can be done to keep the positive trend going in the right direction.

We'll also talk to a student and school principal about what's really happening in schools today, what challenges students are faced with and what they need to succeed.

Then, during the second half of 22News InFocus, we have a Special Interview with WWLP-TV founders, Bill Putnam and Kitty Broman-Putnam.

Next March marks 60 years since 22News went on the air.

The founders recently visited with 22News Anchor Barry Kriger for a wide-ranging interview concerning everything from the book they collaborated on about their experience in television, to the emotions of seeing people they haven't seen in more than a quarter century.