News from the Long Island Council on Alcoholism and Drug Dependence (LICADD)
June 24, 2011
 
Good morning!
  
We're sending our eNewsletter to you today, rather than on Monday because we've got two pieces of great news I couldn't wait to share and because I wanted to let you know about a wonderful event we are holding tomorrow. You can read the great news items below, but here's the story on tomorrow's festivities:
  
Our BUDDY Mentoring Program's Summer Party will be held tomorrow (6/25) from 11:00AM-5:00PM at Eisenhower Park. We'll meet at Picnic Area "Linden B" off of Merrick Avenue in East Meadow. Our mentors and mentees will be there and we could always use a few more volunteers to help run games, hand-out food, etc. Stopping by the party is also a great way to learn more about mentoring and see one of LICADD's showcase programs in action. Call Lauren Ventimiglia at 516-747-2606 or send her an email at lventimiglia@licadd.org for more info or to RSVP. 

 

Have a great weekend!

 

Jeffrey L. Reynolds, Ph.D
Executive Director

 

LICADD To Honor Longtime Friend and NY Yankees Executive Ray Negron

 

We are proud to announce that Ray Negron, New York Yankees executive, and New York Times Bestselling Author will be the Honoree at our 31st Annual R. Brinkley Smithers Golf Invitational to be held  on Monday, September 19, 2011 at The Creek & Piping Rock Clubs. Ray is a longtime supporter of LICADD and has served as an inspiration and role model for at-risk kids.
  

LICADD's Executive Director, Dr. Jeffrey Reynolds stated, "The selection of Ray Negron as this year's Honoree could not be more fitting. Ray's selflessness and assistance to those in need truly embody LICADD's core values, programs, and services." Proceeds from LICADD's golf outing support the programs and services the agency offers to at-risk children and families.

 

"I'm looking forward to working with LICADD, as the organization's passions and goals parallel my own. We share a mutual goal of helping children in need," said Negron. "The energy associated with this organization and event are radiant and I am honored to be a part of it."

 

Ray's 30+ years experience in baseball influenced three generations of baseball players. His previous work experience includes serving as a team counselor to the Cleveland Indians and the Texas Rangers. Negron helped players handle off-field challenges before they escalated and impacted their performance. Negron currently works as a consultant to the Yankees and he is also the Director of Community Relations for Spalding, America's oldest baseball company. Negron supports baseball in underprivileged areas by organizing donations and volunteer efforts from some of baseball's biggest stars.

 

With his love of children and passion for writing, Ray has written and published three children's books. Ray's first book, The Boy of Steel, was #2 on the NY Times Bestseller List and is currently on display at the National Baseball Hall of Fame in Cooperstown, NY. Proceeds from the sale of Negron's publications have helped numerous organizations and causes including little leagues, the Boys & Girls Club, the NY Yankees Foundation for cancer research and education, juvenile diabetes, the Dewayne Murcer Foundation for cancer research and education, and charities to help the homeless. 

 

Michael Brennan, LICADD's Board Director and 2011 Tournament Co-Chair stated, "The 31st Annual R. Brinkley Smithers Golf Invitational is a wonderful way to spend time with friends and family while working together to achieve a common goal: saving lives across Long Island and New York." The annual fundraiser offers several participation and sponsorship opportunities. Tournament Sponsors will be featured in multi-media presentations at the tournament, receive sponsor level signage on the course, a pin flag/tee sign package and great exposure on our high traffic website. Sponsors win product inclusion in the gift bag and corporate banner displays. Each sponsorship package comes with playing opportunities at one of Long Island's most popular charity golf tournaments.

 

"There is something for everyone," said Jeffery Capazzi, LICADD's Vice Chair and 2011 Tournament Co-Chair. "Whether you participate in golf, attend the dinner reception, test your luck in the raffle, or bid on live and silent auction items; it is sure to be a great day for all."

 

As fields will be limited for speed of play, early reservations are highly recommended. For more information regarding participation and sponsorship opportunities, please contact Rosanne Slattery at 516-747-2606 or rcslattery@licadd.org.

VICTORY!!!

Students and Parents Speak Out Last Week Outside the Nassau County Medical Examiner's Office

We won a great victory this week as the NYS Legislature passed the 911 Good Samaritan Act. The Governor is expected to sign the bill shortly. LICADD and a coalition of families personally affected by addiction have worked diligently to raise awareness and urge passage of the 911 Good Samaritan Act to help reduce the number of overdose-related deaths on Long Island and across New York State.

 

LICADD's Executive Director, Dr. Jeffrey Reynolds stated, "As Long Islanders continue to struggle with addiction at historic levels, we are heartened that the NYS Legislature has passed this important bill, sponsored by Dick Gottfried in the Assembly and Senator John DeFrancisco. Our thanks extend particularly to Senate Majority Leader Dean Skelos, Health Committee Chair Kemp Hannon and the other seven members of our delegation for working to come up with a measure that will encourage those who witness an overdose to call for help, while simultaneously ensuring that drug dealers will be properly prosecuted. The 911 Good Samaritan Act will save lives and now our attention turns to ensuring that the bill becomes law, that implementation is swift and that young people are properly educated about the importance of calling for help in the midst of an overdose. That they can now do so without fear of reprisal puts public health before punishment."

 

LICADD and families who have experienced the death of loved ones due to overdose urged lawmakers in Albany and Long Island to pass the 911 Good Samaritan Act that will now provide limited immunity from prosecution for possession of small amounts of drugs or alcohol for those who call for medical assistance for themselves or someone else. Last week, LICADD mounted its final push to win passage of the 911 Good Samaritan Act in the state legislature. The organization's PUSH members (People United to Stop Heroin on Long Island), volunteers and staff relayed the urgency associated with this bill to lawmakers. Advocates traveled to Albany, made phone calls, wrote letters and bared their souls to the press to address this priority.

 

Teri Kroll, PUSH Coordintor and mother who lost her son to drug addiction works closely with LICADD and has been an active lobbyist of the bill. She said, "I'm thankful that lawmakers have realized the severity of the ongoing drug crisis on Long Island and the importance taking action on this bill. By passing this bill, lawmakers have taken one step closer to giving Long Islanders a drug-free tomorrow."

 

Stay tuned to learn more about our next steps, both on overdose prevention and changing public policy!

Save the Date!

 

 
Concerned about HIV/AIDS on Long Island?
 
New York State Department of Health

AIDS Institute Listening Forum Breakfast

Thursday, June 30, 2011 8:30-11:00 AM

Seafield Training Center

37 John Street Amityville, NY 11701

 

RSVP to Tomica Collado at 518-473-2903 or email airm2011@health.state.ny.us

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September 19, 2011
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For more than 50 years, LICADD has operated almost entirely on community contributions and donations from people like you. We don't have fancy offices, glossy brochures and a stable of administrators. Our budget is lean, our overhead is minimal and our operations are laser-focused on our core mission of saving lives.  That means that your donation goes further when you give to LICADD. And today more than ever, every dollar counts.
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