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| News from the Long Island Council on Alcoholism and Drug Dependence (LICADD) |
August 15, 2011 |
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Good morning...
Last week, LICADD participated in a press conference led by NYS Assemblyman Joseph Saladino, during which announced the creation of a task force designed to advise him on possible changes in NYS law as it relates to Long Island's opiate crisis. Long Island has a number of task forces and panels, but Saladino's interest is in ensuring that he has a trusted group of advisors that can help shape responsible and effective policy proposals. LICADD is pleased to be involved with Assemblyman Saladino's new group and we especially praise his commitment to include parents of addicted young people and those who have lost a loved one to the disease. Too many task forces exclude consumers, if only because meetings are typically scheduled for professionals during the week in the middle of the day when most families are at work or school. As we battle addiction that has reached epidemic proportions in our region, perhaps it's time that we the "experts" admit that we don't have all the answers and we work harder to include a broader cross-section of the community in our debates and deliberations.
Jeffrey L. Reynolds, Ph.D
Executive Director
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YAB Rocks East Northport
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 Last Saturday night, LICADD's Youth Advisory Board (YAB) hosted its first annual fundraiser, SOBERPALOOZAFEST at Bet U Can Dance Studio in East Northport. YAB brings together young people of diverse backgrounds from across Long Island to share their experiences, opinions, and insights about the agency, its mission, and its services. The YAB not only provides feedback on LICADD's programs and strategies, but also generates new ideas on how to make drug-free and alcohol-free living the norm, rather than the exception.
Saturday's fundraiser highlighted the idea that teens can have a good time sober. Marcelle Louros, YAB Board Chair said, "We had over 60 people in attendance. It was great to see that so many young people were able to come together and truly enjoy a Saturday night without drugs and alcohol."
The night featured a DJ, live musical performances, and speeches by two individuals about their battle with addiction and road to recovery. Food donations were made by community restaurants including Vincent's, Matteo's, Parkway Deli, and Da-Angelo's. The $5 suggested admittance donation and $2 suggested donation for YAB bracelets raised over $350. All proceeds from SOBERPALOOZAFEST will help YAB plan future events.
Steve Chassman, LICADD Clinical Director stated, "It was moving to see a group of young, driven individuals work so hard to organize this event. There are endless alternatives to drug and alcohol use and I'm extremely proud of the YAB for working together and taking the initiative in getting the community involved to make SOBERPALOOZAFEST a huge success. I'm certain this will become a tradition for LICADD's YAB."
If you are interested in becoming a member of LICADD's YAB, contact YAB Board Co-Chairs Marcelle Louros or Mike Carrano at 516-747-2606. Membership is open to young people ages 15-30 with a desire to make a difference!
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| Regulating Recovery Homes |
Suffolk Legislator Kate Browning is working hard to better regulate sober homes by rewarding the good guys who run safe, sober recovery homes and penalizing the bad guys who pack dozens of residents into unsafe, dilapidated, drug-filled houses in their pursuit of profits. LICADD is working with Legislator Browning, Suffolk's Welfare to Work Commission, Suffolk's Department of Social Services and Department of Health, and other advocates to come up with a model that can be replicated statewide. Here's a link to an article on last week's press conference announcing the initiative held at one of the homes run by the good guys at Seafield. Click here to read the story.
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| News 12 Continues Award Winning Coverage | |
Tune into News 12 this week starting tomorrow for a three-part series on Long Island's struggle with prescription pill addiction. You'll see several folks who are connected to LICADD and learn about addiction! 
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| Save The Date | |
Invitational Golf Outing
September 19, 2011
The Creek & Piping Rock Clubs
Honoring NY Yankees executive, Ray Negron
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For more than 55 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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