Good morning! Florida Governor Rick Scott has proposed eliminating a long-awaited "pill mill" database designed to combat prescription drug abuse, angering his fellow elected officials in Florida and beyond. Among them, New York's senior Senator Chuck Schumer, who held a press conference on Sunday to blast the move and discuss its impact on New Yorkers. Indeed, Florida is the pain management capital of the world and some of the Oxycontin, Vicodin and Percocet that is so prevalent here on Long Island comes from that state. As such, Governor Scott should revisit his decision, fully fund the database and support proven public health measures. But let's not pretend that Florida is the root of our problems locally and that prescription meds aren't readily available right here on Long Island. It's a little like blaming Canada for our endless series of snowstorms. How about we set aside some federal funds to educate Long Island's parents, patients, doctors and pharmacists about prescription pill misuse and diversion? Why don't we make the penalties for doctors selling scripts that same as those aimed at non-MDs selling "street" drugs? How about instead of cutting federal and state funding for addiction services, we increase funding to match current community needs? And while we are on the topic of prescription drug monitoring databases, why not ensure that New York's own database is updated in real time, rather than monthly and that pharmacists have access to the information they need in order to make decisions that will best serve their patients and our community. Let's hope that Governor Scott does the right thing; in the meantime, let's get to work right here in NY. Sincerely,
Jeffrey L. Reynolds, Ph.D
Executive Director
PS: Interested in bringing about community change? Join us tonight at 7:00PM for our monthly PUSH meeting. We'll be at Marjorie Post Park, 451 Merrick Road in Massapequa. |
| LICADD Elects Three New Board Members | |
LICADD is pleased to announce the election of three new members to its Board of Directors: Richard J. Antonacci from All Points Capital, Michael Cardello III, Esq. from Moritt Hock Hamroff & Horowitz LLP and Rev. Roger C. Williams from the First Baptist Church of Glen Cove.
Mr. Antonacci has over twenty-four years experience in the automotive and equipment finance industries. He is a founding partner of All Points Capital and is Executive Vice President of Capital One Equipment Leasing & Finance. He has served in all executive board positions for the National Vehicle Leasing Association's New York chapter spanning 15 years of service, is a former executive board member of the Roy White Foundation, and a former citizens advisory board member for Smithtown schools.
Mr. Cardello is a partner at Moritt Hock Hamroff & Horowitz LLP, where he practices primarily in commercial litigation and bankruptcy. He is Chair of the Board of Directors for the Metro New York/Connecticut Chapter of the National Vehicle Leasing Association, is a member of the Catholic Lawyers Guild of Nassau County and serves as a fellow of the Academy of Court-Appointed Masters.
Rev. Williams has been the Pastor at the First Baptist Church of Glen Cove since 1999. In 2007, he served as co-chair of the New York State "Enough is Enough Campaign" to demand corporate responsibility in the media, exposing and eradicating negative images in music videos. Rev. Williams serves as President of the Glen Cove Chapter of the N.A.A.C.P.
"We are excited to welcome Mr. Antonacci, Mr. Cardello and Rev. Williams to our growing LICADD family. Richard, Michael and Roger are committed to providing vital assistance to Long Island families in need and we look forward to working with them on behalf of young adults and families in the region who are struggling with addiction" says LICADD's Board Chair, Bill Baum. LICADD's Executive Director, Dr. Jeffrey L. Reynolds added, "as we gear up for another exciting year at LICADD and as we continue to expand our alcoholism and addiction prevention services for children and adults, we are grateful that these three talented and dedicated professionals are joining our team." |
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More Data on the Dangers of Pot Use | |
 A new study published in the Archives of General Psychiatry reaffirms the long-held notion that marijuana may accelerate the onset of psychotic disorders in some young users.
"Psychotic illnesses are horrible for the people who have them, and terrible for their families, too. An extra 2 or 3 years of psychosis-free functioning could allow many patients to achieve the important developmental milestones" of adolescence, concluded the study's authors. Cannabis is the most widely used addictive substance after tobacco and alcohol. |
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St. Patrick's Day Comedy Benefit | |
 Join us for a safe and sober St. Patrick's Day as we share a few laughs at the Showplace in Bellmore. This comedy show - a fundraiser for LICADD - is headlined by the wonderful and talented standup comics from Recovery To Go - folks who share our belief that recovery should be fun! The show starts at 8:00PM. Tickets are $25 in advance, $35 at the door. This show is sure to sell-out! Click here or or call 516-747-2606 for tickets.
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| This Week's Sponsor | |
For your commecial real estate needs...
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Colliers International
(516) 284-3439
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| Save The Date | |
Angel Ball Kick-Off
Thursday, March 10
Kellenberg Memorial HS
St. Patrick's Day Comedy Show
Thursday, March 17
The Showplace at Bellmore |
LICADD's 24th Annual Angel Ball
Thursday, May 4
Oheka Castle |
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