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Prevention through Connection
May 2016
Prevention Matters in the Long Run   
Whether our Children are 3 or 23 
 
Since 2001, Manhasset CASA has encouraged parents and caregivers to have conversations with our children about the dangers of underage drinking and drug abuse. In response to the surge in prescription drug abuse, we have further engaged our community to understand the importance of locking up medications in the home as well as disposing of them at local pharmaceutical take back events.

With many adults believing that underage drinking is a right of passage, we continue to have grave concern regarding the health and welfare of our youth.  Parents must be mindful that when teens are under the influence, they don't think clearly and can put themselves in harm's way whether through binge drinking (having 5 or more drinks in two hours) or even mixing alcohol and prescription drugs. It's not a right of passage  when Manhasset youth end up i n the emergency room  ( 2015 Just the Facts ). 
 
The fact is that a teen who begins drinking before the age of 15 is 7 times more likely to develop an alcohol abuse problem later in life than someone who waits until 21 to drink.  The reality of underage drinking for these teens and their families is they often do not see the long term consequences (addiction, substance abuse, etc.) until after high school. 


While we have heard many parents say they are doing their child a "favor" by exposing their teen to alcohol before they go to college, researchers like Dr. Robert Turrisi argue otherwise. Dr. Turrisi, a leading expert from Penn State University on the role parent-adolescent relationships play in the prevention of underage drinking, notes decades of research that indicates there is no safe way to 'teach' teens how to drink responsibly.
In fact, his research shows that when young people drink as seniors in high school their substance abuse rates in college are much higher than those seniors who are not underage drinking ( Prevention through Connection 11.14.14 ).  Dr. Turrisi's research 
also confirms that parents are the most important influence on whether or not teens choose to drink alcohol. 
 
With  Manhasset's youth reporting underage drinking and drug use above national norms, it is imperative to educate ourselves about substance abuse issues so we can prevent it now and in the future. We encourage your attendance at  A Substance Abuse Education Awareness Initiative hosted by the Village of Flower Hill and the Women's Club of Flower Hill on Wednesday, June 8th at 7:00 p.m. at One Bonnie Heights Road.  The program is designed to encourage family conversation as well as educate and empower residents to how addiction is affecting our communities.
 
Given what is at stake for our children, families and community, we hope you will talk with your child about the dangers of underage drinking and drug use.  Your voice matters and it is certainly worth the time and conversation.  
 
Manhasset CASA Executive Board
Talk Today, Tomorrow and Always
Try Little Talks with Real World Examples

Sitting down for the "big talk" about alcohol or drugs can be intimidating for both you and your child. Try using everyday opportunities to talk, such as in the car, during dinner, or while watching TV together! Having lots of little talks takes the pressure off in trying to get all of the information out in one lengthy discussion, and your child will be less likely to tune you out.

Use real world examples that your kids would know about. Celebrities, sport figures and musicians are too often in the news for their substance use.  "Hey I heard about... What do you think about that?"
 
Be honest. If there is a history of alcoholism or drug abuse in your family, tell them about it. If you can, tell them all the details about who is struggling and how it impacts everyone in the family. If it is you, tell your kids your experience and treat it as you would any other disease.  "I worry because we aren't like everyone else, and you have a higher risk for developing a drug or alcohol problem."
Be real. Let them know just how dangerous it really is.  "Did you know it only takes [this much] alcohol before you are too impaired to drive?"

Empower your child, ask them what they think and what they think you should know.  "What do you think is the biggest issue facing teens today? How do you face it"

Know what you are talking about!  "I read that x in 10 kids your age are drinking. I know it might not be you, but it's probably happening with your friends and with people you know. Do you want to talk about it?

Stay strong. Your kids may answer with a yes or no, may be defensive or angry. Don't stop the conversation. Take a breath and start again. 
"Did my question upset you? Why, help me understand what you are feeling" 

Be aware of and sensitive to their transitions, such as starting middle school or high school, a break-up, the loss of a friend, or graduation.  "This is different time for you - are you scared, curious or concerned? I went through all this too. Let me tell you how it affected me"
  
For more information about how to talk with your child about alcohol or drugs go to  www.Talk2Prevent.NY.gov or underagedrinking.samhsa.gov .
Take Back Events Protect our Children
Dispose of Your Unwanted Meds & NARCAN Edu


Since 2010, Manhasset CASA has worked with our partners to address the dangers of prescription drug abuse, encourage residents to lock up medications and promote the importance of residents participating in pharmaceutical take back events.

During May and throughout the year, residents have many opportunities to dispose of unnecessary prescription drugs and protect our children as well as the environment:  
 
  • Saturday, May 14th Shed the Meds at Shelter Rock School 9:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.  
    The program is sponsored by Senator Jack M. Martins, in partnership with the Nassau County Police Department and Manhasset CASA. Residents can safely dispose of medications. Drive up, drop off your medications, and drive away.   Any type of medication can be disposed except needles. Officers from the Nassau County Police Department will safely dispose of all medications as well as supervise the program. For more information about the Shed the Meds program call Senator Martins' office at 516-746-5924.  Click here for our flyer!
  • Sunday, May 22nd S.T.O.P. Program
    9:30 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.
    North Hempstead Beach Park North Lot
    175 West Shore Road, Port Washington     Supervisor Judi Bosworth and the Town of North Hempstead invite residents to discard of all drugs in an environmentally safe manner while protecting our kids! Please note this service is open to Town Residents Only - No Doctors' Offices. For more information about how to dispose of pharmaceuticals safely call 311, or go to
    www.northhempsteadny.gov or click here for our flyer!
  • 24 hours a Day∙7 days a week∙365 days a year
    Drop off your unwanted prescription medications at our local Nassau County Police Center at 100 Community Drive, Manhasset.  For more information call (516) 573-6800.
  • Wednesday, June 1st from 7:00 p.m. - 9:00 p.m.
    Paul D. Schreiber Senior High School
    101 Campus Drive Port Washington, NY
    Learn how to recognize and prevent an opioid overdose
    To register, email elaikin@nassaucounty.gov or leave a  voicemail at 516-571-6105 with your name, email and date of training

For more information about prescription drug misuse, click here for Prescription Drug Misuse A Household Problem from the New York State Office of Substance Abuse and Addiction Service. 
Congratulations Jessalyn Chuang!
1st Place in Nassau County Drug Alternatives PSA Contest

 
Jessalyn Chuang, member of Manhasset CASA's Youth Club, was recently awarded first place for her 30-second PSA entry in Nassau County's 3rd Annual Drug Alternatives PSA Contest. 

The contest invited Nassau County high school students to create a 30 second Public Service Announcement (PSA) that addressed common issues facing teens today.  A total of 290 students participated in this year's contest from ten high schools in Nassau County. First, second and third place prizes were awarded to students in categories that demonstrated a message of hope, ways to find help, and positive alternatives to risk-taking behaviors often associated with bullying, depression or stigma.  The Video contest was presented by Nassau County Ed Mangano and sponsored by the Mental Health Association of Nassau County, Suffolk County National Bank and the EAC Network.   Click here for Nassau County's Press Release highlighting all student winners!  

TO VIEW JESSALYN'S PSA CLICK HERE!!
Teens Approaching the Summer
The Good, the Bad and the Ugly!

Join us for Coffee & Conversation on Wednesday, May 25th at 10:30 a.m. as we Navigate the Teen Years and learn about

The small group meeting for parents with teens will be facilitated by Regina Barros, LCSW, Associate Executive Director of the North Shore Child and Family Guidance Center.  

Registration is required through SignUpGenius where you can also find location information for the event! This coffee is limited to 30 parents.
Village of Flower Hill Addresses Substance Abuse
Community Invited to Prevention Education Program June 8th

For more information, click here for the program flyer or call the Village of Flower Hill at 516-627-5000.
E-cigarettes NOW Regulated by FDA 
Includes hookah, cigars and tobacco products

Since 2012, Manhasset CASA's Youth Club has known the dangers that e-cigarettes pose to our health.  They have educated younger students about these dangers during the annual Kick Butts Day Science 7  Teens as Teachers PowerPoint Presentation.  The initiative is testament to their commitment to prevention and has been spot on to the dangers and consequences of tobacco and e-cigarette use.

To address the surge in teen use of e-cigarettes as well as ensure future generations are not addicted to nicotine, the Food and Drug Administration recently announced new regulations for e-cigarettes, cigars, hookah and tobacco products. The regulation bans sales to anyone under 18 and requires adults under the age of 26 show a photo identification to buy them. In addition, the FDA requires the products to be registered and inform to their ingredients.

Support CASA/SCA after Spring Concerts!
Ice Cream & More at Chocolate Works 

Positively Entertaining...
And Healthy Too!

T(w)eens have many opportunities in the Manhasset community to enjoy new and old friendships, sports, fitness, and the arts as well as engage in community service: 
  • Sign up for  Fundamental Sports spring season of flag football!  Both girls and boys are welcome from ages 9-18. The program meets on Friday nights at Manhasset Valley Park or Harbor Links Field Number 4 in Port Washington. For more information go to fundamental­sports.com or email info@fundamental­sports.com or call (516) 900­2FUN.
  • Manhasset High School's Green Club Beach Cleanup is scheduled for this Saturday, May 14th from 12:15 p.m. to 2:15 p.m. at the Sands Point Preserve. For information on upcoming events and reminders, please view/join their Facebook page (Search Manhasset Green Club 2015-2016 on Facebook and add yourself to the group).
  • Smarter Summer Seminar is scheduled for Thursday, May 26th from 7:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. at the Manhasset Public Library. The seminar presented by C2education will help t(w)eens develop a summer plan for college admissions success, and suggest ways to maximize time as you prepare for the upcoming school year. Bring your questions! Summer Seminar for current 7th, 8th, 9th, 10th, and 11th grade students and their parents. Register online by scrolling to the Event (under May 26th) and look for the "Register" button. Please note that you will need a library card number.

If your organization, agency or house of worship offers positive alternatives for teens, contact Manhasset CASA at (516­) 267-7548 to list in our newsletter!
Marijuana Presentation Recording Available
PATV collaboration with CASA


Public Access Television (PATV)  has partnered with Manhasset CASA since January 2015 by broadcasting our Prevention through Connection  Series to the residents of Manhasset and the North Shore of Long Island.  This collaboration promotes not only the goals and objections of our nonprofit corporations, but more importantly, provides our community access to relevant and timely information regarding youth risk behaviors, substance abuse prevention and parenting. 

"Understanding Marijuana Today" was held in February at the Manhasset Public Library as part of Manhasset CASA's Power of Parenting  Series.  The program featured Dr. Kevin Sabet, consultant and past advisor on drug policy to three U.S. presidential administrations.  Dr. Sabet is also director of Project SAM (Smart Approaches to Marijuana) which he founded with former Congressman Patrick J. Kennedy.  

PATV will cablecast this program throughout May on Wednesdays at 2:00 p.m. on PATV channels 20 (Optimum) and 37 (FIOS).  In addition, you can click here to view this special edition of Prevention through Connection!
Manhasset Community 
Coalition Against Substance Abuse (CASA), Inc. 
P.O. Box 392
Manhasset, NY 11030
(516) 267-7548
casa_org@manhasset.k12.ny.us
  
Manhasset CASA exists as a resource to reduce the illegal, underage use of alcohol, tobacco, & other drugs among its youth, before they are in trouble, by connecting parents, schools and the community as partners in the common goal.  In 2013, CASA was honored to receive its second five year Drug Free Communities Support Grant (DFC) by the Office of National Drug Control Policy (ONDCP).  Our goals are to reduce substance abuse among youth and, over time, among adults; and to establish and strengthen collaboration among communities, private nonprofit agencies, and federal, state, and local governments to support the efforts of our community coalition to prevent and reduce substance abuse among youth.