|
A message from the Executive Director
Welcome to the Spring Edition of the Prevention Council of Putnam Newsletter!
Spring is here, bringing longer days, warmer weather and opportunities for fresh starts. The Prevention Council of Putnam remains dedicated to strengthening our community through prevention, education, and support.
In this edition, you’ll find highlights from our ongoing prevention efforts, resources to support mental health and wellness, and opportunities to engage with us through upcoming events and initiatives. Together, we can build healthier habits, strengthen support systems, and promote positive choices across Putnam County.
Thank you for your continued support and partnership. Let’s continue work together to create a safer, healthier community for all.
Yours in Prevention,
Kristin McConnell
| |
April is Alcohol Awareness Month
April is Alcohol Awareness Month - a time to raise awareness and understanding of alcohol use and misuse.
| | | |
Carmel Central School District Partnership Spotlight
We are excited to announce a new partnership between the Carmel Central School District, the Prevention Council of Putnam, and the Carmel Communities That Care (CTC) Coalition, united by a shared mission to educate and empower parents and caregivers with accurate, practical information to help keep children safe and healthy. Together, we are publishing monthly resource guides focused on key topics related to the health and wellness of young people; beginning in February with Cannabis Edibles, followed by Problem Gambling Prevention in March, and most recently Underage Drinking Prevention in April, with more timely resources to come throughout the year. We hope these guides serve as a starting point for meaningful conversations between parents/caregivers and their children. By staying informed and proactive, we can work together to ensure our children are safe, healthy, and prepared to navigate today’s complex environment. We are grateful to Dr. Michael Plotkin, Superintendent of Schools, for his time, leadership and commitment in partnering with us in addressing these important issues affecting families.
| |
Alcohol and the Adolescent Brain
As adolescents mature, they undergo complex developmental changes, especially in their brains. The widespread changes in the organization and functioning of the brain, which continue into a person’s mid-20s bring about the cognitive, emotional, and social skills necessary for adolescents to survive and thrive. The nature of these rapid changes may also increase the adolescent brain’s vulnerability to alcohol exposure. Continue reading
| | | Healthy Teen Brain Day in Putnam County | | |
April 20th Proclaimed Healthy Teen Brain Day in Putnam County
Research shows that the adolescent brain does not fully develop until about age 25, making these years especially important for healthy decision‑making. At the Prevention Council, our focus is on preventing and delaying the onset of substance use so that young people can fully develop, thrive, and reach their greatest potential.
By recognizing Healthy Teen Brain Day on April 20th, this proclamation helps shift the conversation from one that often focuses on getting high to one that emphasizes healthy choices and the long‑term well‑being of our youth.
Thank you to the Putnam County Legislature and the Putnam County Executive for proclaiming April 20th as Healthy Teen Brain Day in Putnam County, and for your continued commitment to the well‑being of our young people.
|
Successful Sticker Shock Campaign
The Sticker Shock campaign was a strong success, with 22 local restaurants participating by placing conversation starting stickers on takeout pizza orders. These stickers helped raise awareness and spark dialogue among families and community members about the risks of underage alcohol use and youth gambling. The broad participation from restaurants demonstrated meaningful community support and amplified the campaign’s prevention message in a simple, visible, and impactful way.
We truly appreciate your support and partnership in
helping make a difference.
This years participating restaurants:
Arturo's Tavern
Aversano's Pizza
Cold Spring Pizza
Corrado's Pizza
Europa Pizza
Farmhouse Restaurant
Four Brother's Pizza
Gappy's Pizza
Luigi's Famiglia Cucina
Mezza Luna Restaurant
Mike and Joe's
Nonna's Pizza
Pizza and Pasta
Prato Trattoria
Putnam Lake Pizza
Putnam Valley Market
Sal's Pizza
Sauro's Town Square Pizza
Sinapi's Pizza
Stella's Pizza
Three Brothers Restaurant
Trattoria Sei
| |
Medication Take Back Day coming April 25, 2026.
Bring your unused or expired medications to Medication Take Back Day on Saturday, April 25, 2026 (10 a.m.–2 p.m.).
This free, anonymous event helps prevent medication misuse, protects families, and keeps drugs out of the environment. DEA.gov/TakeBackDay.
Click image for copy of flyer
| | | |
Community Scan
What is a community Scan? A community scan generates the information community groups need to identify and implement strategies that will drive positive changes in their community.
We are truly grateful to everyone who played a role in making our recent Community Scan a success. From our dedicated volunteers and staff to our incredible partners and community members, your time, effort, and support made a meaningful impact.
Because of you, the event ran smoothly and reached so many people who needed these services. It was inspiring to see our community come together with such generosity and teamwork.
Thank you for showing up, lending a hand, and believing in the importance of community health. We couldn’t have done it without you, and we look forward to working together again in the future!
| |
May is Mental Health Awareness Month
May is Mental Health Awareness Month, a time to recognize the importance of emotional well‑being and to break the stigma surrounding mental health challenges. It’s an opportunity to encourage open conversations, show compassion for ourselves and others, and remind everyone that seeking support is a sign of strength—not weakness. By learning more, checking in with one another, and sharing resources, we can help create a culture where mental health is valued just as much as physical health.
| | | | |
Understanding Neuroplasticity
In the last few years, you’ve probably heard the word neuroplasticity more and more. But what does it actually mean?
Neuroplasticity is the brain’s ability to change its physical structure and function based on what we do, what we feel, and what we experience. It’s basically a built in superpower that many people don’t realize they have.
Your brain is rewiring every minute of every day, whether you’re aware of it or not. The most active period for this process is between ages 12 and 25, when the brain is rapidly developing. But thanks to modern research, we now know that neuroplasticity continues throughout our entire lives — right up until the day we die.
Why This Matters
The Prevention Council of Putnam in partnership with the Putnam County Dept. of Health has created a presentation for students to explain how neuroplasticity works and how it can be affected by the choices we make. When substances like marijuana, alcohol, and other drugs are introduced during key developmental years, they can interfere with the brain’s natural wiring process. Your brain is always changing. The choices you make today shape the brain you’ll use tomorrow.
Let’s keep that plasticity working for us by choosing habits that build a strong, healthy mind and body. Understanding this helps us make decisions that support long term health and well being.
| |
Youth Tobacco Use and Targeting in the Retail Environment
Mango. Banana Taffy Freeze. Cool Mint. Berry Watermelon. Strawberry Cream. These sound like candy flavors you’d find in a checkout aisle, but they’re not. They’re nicotine products, sitting on shelves in convenience stores across the country. From disposable e-cigarettes to oral nicotine pouches, today’s tobacco and nicotine products are intentionally designed to appeal to youth. Read More
| | | |
This comprehensive transportation program, in which the Prevention Council is a participating partner, supports individuals who are enrolled in or seeking treatment, recovery, prevention, or harm reduction services through a NYS OASAS‑certified provider.
The program assists individuals by providing transportation to and from a variety of destinations that support their individualized prevention, treatment, recovery, and/or harm reduction efforts and goals.
| | |
Satellite Mental Health Clinic
STUDENT ASSISTANCE SERVICES Counseling Center at Carmel High School
Professional mental health services for students and families, available year-round. Access to timely care.
Flexible Appointment Options: Onsite at the HS during the school day, after school or evening via telehealth, at our Tarrytown location. Psychiatric services available via telehealth.
Most commercial insurance plans and Medicaid accepted, need based sliding fee scale available. Services provided in English and Spanish.
Alexandra Vroman, LMSW, is our experienced adolescent therapist. Call the Counseling Center for more information
(914) 874-1660.
| | |
Milton Carpenter Scholarship
Milton Carpenter’s life experiences and personal values greatly influenced the establishment and criteria of the scholarship he created. Despite facing significant challenges early in life, he managed to overcome them and achieve success through his own efforts. His upbringing in a family affected by substance use likely shaped his perspective on the importance of education and the impact it can have on one’s future.
To apply for the scholarship please visit our website and download an application.
| | |
A friendly reminder to ensure safety with marijuana edibles—store them securely, out of reach of children and pets
| | | | |
Victim Impact Panel
The Putnam County Victim Impact Panel (VIP) Program is a collaboration between The Prevention Council of Putnam, Putnam County Probation Department and Putnam County STOP DWI. The program provides bi-monthly forums on the consequences of drunk driving from people whose lives have been impacted by a drunk driver. Other panel members include people in
The VIP is still being held virtually. To register please click link below.
| | |
Naloxone Training
Naloxone, also known by its brand name Narcan, is a medication that can reverse an opioid overdose. The New York State Department of Health has designated sites as Opioid Overdose Prevention Providers (OOPPs) which allows these sites to provide naloxone trainings and kits at no cost to recipients. The Prevention Council of Putnam (PCP) is a designated OOPPs provider and has been providing naloxone trainings to Putnam residents, organizations, schools, police departments, etc.
If you are interested in receiving a free naloxone training and kit, please visit our website to submit a request.
| | | | | |
