LICADD's Advocacy Academy mobilizes, motivates, educates and supports a new generation of leaders committed to enhancing addiction treatment, prevention and recovery in Nassau and Suffolk counties. The Advocacy Academy is a full-day training program that gives Long Islanders the knowledge and tools necessary to participate in policy decisions that influence local substance abuse prevention, addiction treatment and recovery resources. We're standing together to put a human face and a loud voice to Long Island's most pressing public health problem - addiction.

Graduates of LICADD's Advocacy Academy participate in meetings with their elected officials, testify at public hearings, write articles for their local newspapers, speak out at school board meetings, participate in media interviews and engage others in our cause. We are building a new movement that is asking the tough questions, pushing for change and demanding a more comprehensive response to addiction in Nassau/Suffolk. We hope you'll join us - especially if you've been personally impacted or affected by alcohol and drug addiction.

Here's some of what you'll learn:

• Learn which lawmakers have say over which issues.
• How a bill really becomes a law.
• How to contact our region's key elected officials.
• How to have a successful legislative meeting.
• Sharing your story effectively.
• How to "talk" to the media - what reporters really want from you.
• Using Facebook and Twitter to engage others.
• Some eye-opening facts about addiction on Long Island and an overview of the issues.

This training will be held on Saturday from 10:00AM-4:00PM at the North Massapequa Community Center.  The day will be fast-paced and fun, intense and inspirational. You'll leave motivated and ready to make a difference in 2011.  This training is FREE and open to everyone, but space is limited, so please RSVP today by calling Shanella Walters at 516-747-2606. We'll give you a comprehensive manual to take with you and lunch and snacks will be provided.

Learn How To Save a Life!

Overdoses are on the rise and are completely preventable.

Join LICADD on Wednesday April 13, 2011 from 6:00P.M. to 7:30P.M. in the Malloy Room located in the Uniondale Marriott for our second LIFE-OP (Long Islanders Fighting an Epidemic - Overdose Prevention) training. You'll learn how to recognize the signs of a drug overdose, how to begin rescue breathing and get certified to administer Narcan. We'll give you a Narcan kit and an opiate overdose responder card at the end of the evening.

This training is open to healthcare professionals & concerned members of the public including parents, educators and students over the age of 18. It's free! Call LICADD at 516-747-2606 to reserve your spot.

98.8% of Alcohol Abusers Don't Think They Need Help

Here's a shocker: Only 1.2 percent of the 7.4 million American adults whose alcohol abuse is untreated think they need help. That's according to a new SAMHSA report released in conjunction with this month's Alcohol Awareness Month commemoration. Perhaps that's why well-meaning groups who print thousands of referral lists and thrust them at consumers are striking out. A more innovative approach is the promotion of online screening tools like AlcoholScreening.org and real-time assessments in all health care settings.

LIFE-OP

Overdose Prevention

Training

Wednesday, March 13th

Uniondale Marriott

Advocacy Academy

Saturday, April 16th

Massapequa