Prevention through Connection
February 2017
Icelandic Prevention Model  
Multifaceted Approach Matters

People sometimes say European countries with lower drinking ages have less heavy drinking among youth ( Johns Hopkins, Center on Alcoholism Marketing and Youth ). This is untrue - our 21 drinking age and other laws have resulted in lower binge drinking and lower lifetime risks of alcohol problems.  For an amazing story of a European country reducing its youth substance abuse , please see the recent article about Iceland cited below. Iceland had experienced some of the highest youth substance abuse rates in Europe with 42% of 15 - 16 year olds drinking in the past 30 days.  In 2016, that number declined to 5 percent ( Mosaic: The Science of Life 1.17.17 ).  Iceland's multifaceted approach   included surveying youth, providing parent education, setting curfews for youth and enacting laws to reduce youth exposure to alcohol and tobacco advertising to name a few. Iceland also provides teens positive alternatives after-school and on the weekends.  For many, positive alternatives is the answer to helping teens make healthy choices ( Newsday, 2.16.17 ).
 
Developing youth alternatives can work here. In Manhasset, we are working across the community to promote and develop youth alternatives with our partners: the Congregational Church of Manhasset, Manhasset Public Library, Fundamental Sports, Manhasset Bay Yacht Club, the Women's Club of Flower Hill and local health clubs. Our prevention model should be multifaceted. 

Special thanks to the Women's Club of Flower Hill, for their donation to Manhasset CASA in support of positive alternatives.  With their donation, we are able to sponsor refreshments at our new Teen Paddle Madness Nights which will be held Friday, March 3rd for 10th graders and Friday, March 10th for 9th graders.  

We also thank our coalition partner, the Town of North Hempstead, for reducing youth access to tobacco. The town's new law prohibits youth under the age of 21 from purchasing tobacco and nicotine delivery products. 

Parents are committed to learning as attendance is strong at our  Power of Parenting Series  where hundreds of parents learn about the dangers of substance misuse, parenting and even the developing teen brain. In March, we will host Raising T(w)eens without Using Duct Tape featuring Kym Laube, Executive Director of HUGS, Inc. The program provides practical tips for parenting t(w)eens regarding child development, effective parent communication skills, and how risk and protective factors affect youth decision making.  See below for more information.
 
We recognize that youth substance misuse is complicated as teens are influenced by many factors such as community norms and accessibility to alcohol and drugs. We are committed to work with our members, partners and the entire community to change the community conditions by which t(w)eens and adults misuse alcohol and drugs.  

Helping teens make healthy choices requires the efforts of "Team Manhasset".  We need your ideas, time and assistance to make this possible.  Our success is dependent upon the entire community. 

If you or your organization is interested in helping Manhasset CASA develop Positive Alternatives for Friday and Saturday nights or would like to make a donation to support our efforts, please contact us at casa_org@manhassetschools.org or 
(516) 267-7548. 

Manhasset CASA Executive Board
Positive Alternatives on Friday Nights in Manhasset
Paddle, Flag, and Yoga!

Paddle Madness Manhasset Bay Yacht Club 8pm or 9pm 

Teens can attend a fun evening of paddle tennis and refreshments! Cost of program is $20.00/per teen. Please bring CASH when attending and our waiver. Refreshments sponsored by the Women's Club of Flower Hill. Click here for our waiver .

 

Friday, March 3rd 10th Grade Students Register HERE

 

Friday, March 10th 9th Grade Students Register HERE

 

Friday Night Flag Football with Fundamental Sports 
Spring season is here and registration is available for both girls and boys 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 about registration, click here  or go to fundamental-sports.com or email info@fundamentalsports.com or call (516) 900-2FUN.

Chill Out YOGA! Starts Friday, March 10th 7pm to 8pm
Manhasset Public Library Community Room

Teens can get the weekend off to a great start with yoga at the Manhasset Public Library! Registration is required.  Please inquire at 516-627-2300.   
Junior Prom Tips 
TALK2PREVENT and ensure their Safety!

Manhasset CASA's new Talk2Prevent Campaign recommends parents talk with their teens about the dangers of underage drinking and drug use throughout the year and especially during prom season. 

With many of today's teens turning to alcohol or drugs to cope with the pressures of fitting in or being accepted by peers,  parents are encouraged to
  • Tell their teen that they love them and their primary concern is for their health and safety;
  • Ask their teen what their plans are for post-prom celebrations;
  • Share their thoughts on situations that might arise and discuss ways to handle them;
  • Ask their teen to call or text to keep updated to where they are and, if there are concerns, to call or text you immediately;
  • Talk to their teen about after-prom events they are planning to attend. Tell your teen to contact you post-prom, and ask when you can expect them home;
  • Stress that you will pick up your teen at any place and anytime if they want to come home, and agree on a call or a text alert with no questions asked. Leave money in case a taxi is needed.
In addition, parents and teens should discuss:

Nassau County Social Host Law :  You and anyone over the age of 18 are breaking the law if you give alcohol to your teen's friends who are under the age of 21, under any circumstance.  A violation of the Social Host Law is a misdemeanor - a criminal conviction and punishable by progressive fines and penalties.

 

New York State General Obligations Law: Any person who is injured by a minor (or adult) who is intoxicated, or whose ability is impaired may sue for the resulting damage against whoever knowingly provided the alcohol to the minor.

 

New York State 911/Good Samaritan Law: A person who in good faith seeks care for himself or someone experiencing a life threatening emergency will not be charged or prosecuted for a drug or alcohol related offense including possession of drug paraphernalia, with some exceptions.

 

In New York state if you are under the age of 21, it is a violation of the law to possess alcohol with the intent to consume. Youth under 21 who drink and drive can lose their licenses for up to one year for small amounts of alcohol and face jail time for larger amounts of alcohol found in their systems.
If someone is experiencing a life-threatening emergency or there is underage drinking taking place, you or your teen can call 911 ANONYMOUSLY to seek help.  For more information regarding substance abuse prevention go to talk2prevent.ny.gov or manhassetcasa.org. 
Junior/Senior Prom Fundraisers
Plandome Road Biz Support CASA/SCA 

Two Plandome Road merchants are teaming up with CASA and the SCA to help us help our kids make healthy decisions! 

If you are shopping for a corsage or boutonniere for the Junior Prom this Saturday, March 4th or for the Senior Prom April 1st,  Flower Shop, Inc. at 61 Plandome Road  will donate 20% of your purchase to CASA and the SCA.  Please mention this offer when you place your order at  516-869-0098 .  

If you're planning hair or make-up services on Junior or Senior Prom Day,  Blow Beauty Bars at 397 Plandome Road  will donate 20% of the service price to CASA and the SCA.   Please call  516-365-1111  to schedule your appointment and please mention this offer.  

CASA Youth Members Kick Butts at Sector Meeting!
Science 7 Presentations explain E-cigarettes

Since 2014, the Manhasset CASA Youth Committee Club has educated Science 7 students about the dangers of tobacco and e-cigarettes in recognition of Kick Butts Day. This year, students will deliver their prevention PowerPoint lesson on Wednesday, March 15th.  Kick Butts Day is a day of activism that empowers youth to stand out, speak up and seize control against Big Tobacco.  More than 1,000 events are planned by independent organizers across the United States and around the world. 

We invite you to attend our upcoming Coalition Sector Meeting on Thursday, March 2nd at 9:00 a.m. in the Middle School Library where CASA's Youth Sector Members, Ivy Jin and Sara Wong, will provide their informative presentation. Join us as we learn from our youth about this dangerous substance abuse trend that is affecting teens in Manhasset and across the United States.

Join faculty, key community members and parents for this informative youth prevention lesson as we work as a community to encourage youth to make healthy decisions during adolescence!
Saving the Life of a Loved One
Opioid Education & Naloxone Training

Wednesday, March 8, 2017 7:00 p.m. 
Manhasset Public Library

According to the 2016 Surgeon General's Report, seventy eight Americans die every day from an opioid overdose.  On Long Island, every day a family loses a loved one due to an opioid overdose.  Seven out of ten opioid overdoses occur in the home.
 
Manhasset CASA & the Manhasset Public Library will host Saving the Life of a Loved One: A NARCAN/Opioid Education & Training on Wednesday, March 8th from 7:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. at the Manhasset Public Library. The presentation will educate residents to the problem of opioid abuse, signs of an opioid overdose, how to reverse an opioid overdose as well as new treatment approaches. 

The program is sponsored by Nassau County Executive Ed Mangano & Nassau County Legislator Richard J. Nicolello. Seating is limited and reservations are required through the county's online registration link.

Raising T(w)eens without Using Duct Tape!
New Dates for Power of Parenting Series

Thursday, March 16, 2017 at 1:00 p.m. or 7:30 p.m. 
Raising T(w)eens Without Using Duct Tape! 

Given all the temptations t(w)eens face in today's world, teaching healthy decision making skills may be one of the best weapons parents have to ensure t(w)eens make positive and healthy choices during adolescence. Featuring  Kym Laube, Executive Director, HUGS, Inc., the program will discuss practical tips for parenting t(w)eens regarding child development, effective parent communication skills, and how risk and protective factors affect youth decision making.

This program is part of the Power of Parenting Series sponsored by the Honorable Jack M. Martins, Manhasset Public Library and Manhasset CASA.  CLICK HERE TO REGISTER!
Carfentanil is Deadly
Manhasset Press explains Danger to Residents

Special thanks to Elizabeth Johnson, Editor, Manhasset Press for her recent coverage regarding the dangerous drug Carfentanil. 
According to the DEA,  c arfentanil is a synthetic opioid that is 10,000 times more potent than morphine and 100 times more potent than fentanyl, which itself is 50 times more potent than heroin. Warnings have been issued locally and nationally regarding this extremely dangerous drug that is taking the lives of youth and adults.

We greatly appreciate Elizabeth's commitment to the teens and residents of Manhasset in her effort to educate the public regarding the dangers of substance misuse. 

Click here to read Carfentanil Deadly to the Touch.
Extra curriculars to the Extreme?
Making the balance for our t(w)eens

CASA is happy to connect parents with 
insight from the Cornell Cooperative
Extension of Suffolk County's Family Health and Wellness Program. The program seeks to strengthen family well-being and healthy lifestyle choices through parent education.

Our Active Parenting educator, Tim Jahn, M.Ed. notes the importance of balance and moderation when it comes to engaging our kids with extracurricular activities.  Parents should be aware that "when kids are over-involved in extracurricular activities, schoolwork and family life can suffer." 

Read more  about how parents can help strike balance and moderation with their kid's activities.
Free Family Education Continues at Seafield 
Open to all Residents 

Seafield Center's Family Education Series continues for residents who are impacted by addiction.  The free family program provides information regarding various aspects of addiction, treatment, therapy and codependency and enabling behaviors.  

Thursday March 2nd, at 7:15pm
Discussion focused on treatment options for family members:  Family therapy, Al-Anon, 
Nar-Anon, Families Anonymous and is f acilitated by Clinical Director: Pedro Pereira, CASAC

Thursday, March 16th, at 7:15pm
Prensentation/Discussion regarding Codependency/Enabling behaviors is f acilitated by 
Pedro Pereira, CASAC and Clinical Director

All residents are invited to attend the series held at 585 Plandome Road, Manhasset. For more information,  contact Pedro Pereira  at (516) 812-9944.
Manhasset Community 
Coalition Against Substance Abuse (CASA), Inc. 
P.O. Box 392
Manhasset, NY 11030
(516) 267-7548
casa_org@manhassetschools.org
  
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.