St. Bernard activist Polly Campbell named program director for non-profit Anti-Drug Coalition; She is a retired school teacher and former Clerk of Parish Council

Polly Campbell, a long-time activist in St. Bernard Parish and former clerk of the Parish Council, has been named program director for the non-profit St. Bernard Anti-Drug Coalition which is working to reduce illegal drug use in the parish.

She replaces Dr. Joseph Salande, who announced in October he was leaving as program director after serving for nearly a year but is remaining as a board member.

“It is an honor to be selected as program director of the drug-free coalition efforts led by such a talented group of community leaders,’’ Campbell said after its board of directors recently announced her appointment.
“As we seek major grant funding from the federal government we will continue to identify existing resources and gaps in an effort to support a healthy drug-free community,’’ Campbell said. “In collaboration with our schools, Sheriff’s Office, faith-based and civic groups we hope to build a unified “tool kit” to address quality of life issues in St Bernard Parish.”

Campbell continued, “We are hoping to build a network with members of the community to coordinate our focus to reduce alcohol and drug abuse with activities already going on with other groups in the parish in order to pool our resources.’’

Campbell has worked in many areas in St. Bernard Parish. Besides being a retired teacher and former clerk of the Parish Council she is currently the chairwoman of the Metropolitan Human Services District, a state agency dealing in developmental disabilities services for Orleans, St. Bernard and Plaquemines parishes

And she is involved with the non-profit St. Bernard Community Foundation, working in beautification efforts in the parish, along with being affiliated with the Arc, which has a program in Chalmette for intellectually challenged adults.

The St. Bernard Anti-Drug Coalition was formed with a goal of reducing illegal drug use in the parish and works towards developing community-wide programs and providing information on resources available for those looking for rehab help for themselves or others.

Coalition Chairman Dan Schneider said Campbell is an excellent choice as program director for the group because she knows the parish and has experience working with parish groups. “She can help take us forward,’’ Schneider said of Campbell.
Sheriff James Pohlmann and a cross section of government and school officials, as well as other professionals in the parish are members of the Coalition board..
Salande, who was hired effective last December, told the board in October he couldn’t continue as program director because he needed to devote more time to his growing chiropractic practice but will continue to help the Coalition in its goals.
“I hope my tenure has brought some organization,’’ to the Coalition’s beginning steps, said Salande, a St. Bernard native.
A Coalition office is located in the parish government complex at 8201 West Judge Perez Drive in Chalmette and the group’s phone number is 504-278-4308.