Tuesday, November 26, 2013

December is National Drunk, Drugged and Distracted Driving (3D) Prevention Month

Did you know that of the fatal crashes in 2010, the highest percentage of drunk drivers was for drivers ages 21 to 24 (34 percent), followed by ages 25 to 34 (30 percent) and 35 to 44 (25 percent)? Did you know that the number of people killed in distraction-affected crashes decreased slightly from 3,360 in 2011 to 3,328 in 2012. An estimated 421,000 people were injured in motor vehicle crashes involving a distracted driver, this was a nine percent increase from the estimated 387,000 people injured in 2011? (Source: Distraction.gov).

On December 1, 2010, President Barack Obama signed a Presidential Proclamation stating that December would be observed as National Impaired Driving Prevention Month. The Proclamation focuses not only on the prevention of drinking and drugged driving, but the prevalence of “distracted driving” due to “electronic equipment and texting”. The Proclamation is a call for all individuals to practice safety by not getting behind the wheel impaired by alcohol and drugs, including those drugs prescribed by a medical provider.

The Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) announced the results of a nationwide survey related to impaired driving. The self reporting survey concluded that “In an average year, 30 million Americans drive drunk , 10 million drive impaired by illicit drugs.”

Thousands of people die due to the prevalence of drinking or drugged driving, and many innocent lives are shattered as a result. The ramifications don’t end with injury or family loss. According to the National Council on Alcoholism and Other Drug Dependencies “the annual cost of alcohol-related crashes totals more than 51 million dollars”.

“The Putnam County Communities That Cares Coalition is dedicated to preventive measures geared towards reducing the intake of alcohol and illicit drugs, especially to protect our youth. This includes reckless or negligent behavior when using prescribed medication. This is not only a local priority, but a national concern as well. For drivers 15-19 years old involved in fatal crashes, 21 percent of the distracted drivers were distracted by the use of cell phones ” said Joseph DeMarzo, Deputy Commissioner of Putnam County Mental Health, Social Services and Youth Bureau.

“The prevention of debilitated driving, whether it is from substance use or distracted driving is imperative at any time. That being said, the holiday season is a time when more gatherings take place and traveling is sometimes inevitable. We encourage individuals to utilize public transportation should they drink or use medication. It will protect you, your family, and the community as a whole.” said Elaine Santos, Putnam County Communities That Care Coalition Coordinator.

Coalition Tips for Residents :
Designate a sober driver before celebrations begin. Never serve those under the age of 21 alcohol. Plan safe parties, including providing non-alcoholic drink options to guests and not serving alcohol the last hour of the gathering. Be prepared to get everyone home safe in case your plans or individual circumstances change. Driving is a serious responsibility. Discuss what it means to be a safe driver with your teen and set ground rules for when they're behind the wheel. If your teen is on the road, they should stay off the phone. Remember: It can wait! No text message is more important than your life (or another).

Members of the Putnam CTC Coalition are available if you have any questions or would like for us to do a presentation to your organization on this or any other substance abuse trends that affect our children. Please visit and join us on Facebook by searching “Putnam County Communities That Care – NY” or on Twitter at http://twitter.com/#!/PutnamCTCNY or call 845-225-4646.

Tips for Preventing Underage Drinking: For Parents During the Holiday Season





As part of our mission to educate the community, we are posting this release as a way to provide you with information that you can share with your coaches, parents and participants.

As parents take part in holiday festivities, it is of critical importance that they make healthy choices around the use of alcohol. According to a recently released report from the National Center on Addiction and Substance Abuse at Columbia University, “teens that have seen their parent(s) drunk are likelier to drink and get drunk than teens that have not seen their parent(s) drunk. They are also likelier to try cigarettes and marijuana”.

Research has taught us time and again that active parents, voicing their disapproval of alcohol and other drug use, have proven themselves to be the most effective preventative method for keeping our children substance-free. A cohesive family with parents who model healthy decision making can make all the difference in helping young people to avoid antisocial behavior.

Holiday parties give individuals more of an opportunity to use drugs and alcohol. This accounts for the increase in alcohol and drug related tragedies during the festive season.

A few holiday party tips for parents: Lay down the law. Tell your child, prior to the party, that he or she is absolutely prohibited from drinking and using illegal substances. Be a model for conscientious behavior. Have a plan for those who drink too much and make sure your guests do not drink and drive. If you are hosting the party, offer an ample amount of non-alcoholic drinks, foods, and games to all. Children may drink leftovers. Dispose of all unfinished beverages to prevent alcohol poisoning.

If your child is going to a party at a friend’s house, phone ahead and make sure there will not be any alcohol beverages available.

For more holiday safety tips, please visit: http://www.madd.org/media-center/media-library/safe-party-guide.html

To further reduce the prevalence of underage drinking, legislation has been passed in all Putnam County towns, entitled the “Social Host Liability” law, which makes it a crime to “host, suffer, permit, organize, or allow a party, gathering or event at his or her place of residence or other private property where three or more minors are present and alcoholic beverages are being consumed by any minor”. This crime is punishable by up to one year in jail and/or a $3,000 fine.

A 2012 survey of Putnam County students in grades 8 - 12 revealed that 44.6% of respondents believe that parental attitudes favor alcohol and drug use. What better way to end 2012 and begin 2013 than for parents throughout Putnam County to loudly and affirmatively voice their disapproval of alcohol and other drug use.
Members of the Putnam CTC Coalition are available if you have any questions or would like for us to do a presentation to your organization on this or any other substance abuse trends that affect our children. Please visit and join us on Facebook by searching “Putnam County Communities That Care – NY” or on Twitter at http://twitter.com/#!/PutnamCTCNY or call 845-225-4646.

Thursday, October 17, 2013

Veterans and Military Families Corps (VetCorps)




We having a position opening for a Vetcorp Prevention Coordinator! Please feel free to share this information!



Position Description
VetCorps Prevention Coordinator – VISTA – Putnam County, NY
Putnam County Communities That Care Coalition

GENERAL CRITERIA:
Position Title: VetCorps Prevention Coordinator – AmeriCorps*VISTA, Putnam County, New York.

PURPOSE AND SCOPE:
VetCorps project is being conducted by the Community Anti-Drug Coalitions of America (CADCA) in partnership with the National Guard Bureau’s Prevention, Treatment and Outreach (PTO) Program with funding assistance from the Corporation for National Community Service (CNCS). CADCA will recruit AmeriCorps members, particularly veterans, including inactive National Guard and Reserve members. Each member will be placed in one of CADCA’s Community Coalitions located throughout the country to provide support to military service members and their families. The VetCorps Prevention Coordinator (VPC) will provide prevention, treatment and outreach referral services to military service members and their families and build the capacity of the community to support these military families. The VetCorps member will help convey a culture of responsible choices, compatible with core National Guard values, through the use of Substance Abuse Prevention and Awareness training and support.

This is a full-time (32-40 hours/week) 365 day per year position as a member of the VetCorps project serving with the Putnam County Communities That Care Coalition. The VPC’s service year will begin on or about February, 2014 and conclude on or about July, 2015.

REPORTS TO:
The VetCorps Prevention Coordinator - VISTA will report to the Coalition Coordinator.

BENEFITS:
The full-time VetCorps Prevention Coordinator receives a monthly living allowance stipend of $1,276 per month (stipend is subject to federal withholding). Upon successful full-time completion of VetCorps service, an education award may be granted of up to $5,500 or equivalent to the maximum value of the Pell Grant for the award year in which the term of service is funded. The education award is available for the AmeriCorps*VISTA members 1st and 2nd term of service. Other benefits include student loan forbearance, health insurance and child care payments (if applicable), eligibility for non-competitive status for federal service, professional training, valuable networking opportunities, the chance to work with a dedicated team of VetCorps members and staff and to make a real difference in a local communities throughout the United States.

DUTIES: Veterans and Military Families Corps (VetCorps)
·         Develop a written work plan and implementation timeline for your location.
·          Promote Substance Abuse services using marketing, networking and outreach strategies.
·         Establish liaison and coordination with the local National Guard Unit(s) to assist in integrating the preventive education and training efforts into the overall training program.
·          Maintain liaison with civic organizations, civilian agencies and military organizations to integrate the efforts of all community preventive education resources.
·         Seek donations of goods, services and funds to support military service members and their families and the local VetCorps project.
·         Address individual and community-level military service members risk levels and work toward reducing the risk factors.
·          Assist community coalitions with carrying out the implementation plan to serve military service members.
·         Collaborate with community coalition and coordinate all matters pertaining to substance abuse prevention and education for military service members.
·         Evaluate progress made in achieving the program’s goals; report on progress through various types of reports as required.
·         Enter data into Counterdrug Management Information System (CMIS).
·         Maintain performance measurement logs and other reports.
·         Recruit volunteers to VetCorps. Outreach methods may include: presentations to faith, business, and/or community groups; staffing information booths at community events and utilizing the media.
·          Serve as a public ambassador for VetCorps and Host Site.
·         Participate in VPC and VetCorps training, service projects and other activities.
·         Work under the direction of and maintain regular communication with the Host Site Supervisor.
·         VPC may be assigned other project related volunteer program duties during the course of service by the Host Site Supervisor.
SELECTION PROCESS:
The applicant will be invited to interview with the coalition staff, if appropriate. Two reference checks and a complete criminal background investigation will be done prior to start date. Once selected by Coalition staff the VetCorps Prevention Coordinator – VISTA applicants must submit a written application Americorp.

SKILLS AND ATTITUDES:
·         Skilled at taking initiative, problem solving and working independently so as to develop a work plan and implement the substance abuse prevention and referral program.
·         Basic interest in substance abuse prevention, treatment and outreach a plus.
·         Skilled at building interpersonal relationships and ability to work effectively as part of a team with The Host Site.
·         Strong verbal skills; ability to communicate effectively with military members and their families, coalition staff and community groups.
·          Good written and oral communication so as to develop program materials and reports.
·         Commitment to the concept of national service and to making a difference in the local community.
·         Computer literate so as to produce program materials and track member hours.
·         Ability to participate in trainings and have access to transportation to and from The Host Site, events, and activities.
·         Able to respond to organizational change productively and maintain a positive attitude.
·         Knowledge of military culture desirable.
·         Veterans are strongly encouraged to apply.

ORIENTATION AND TRAINING:
CADCA will conduct monthly training webinars for the duration of the service year. There will be other training sessions available through VetCorps and The Host Site. Coalitions will provide orientation to the VPC’s local placement site.
There will be a mandatory weekly training in February 2014 for all new Americorp VISTA members.

SUPERVISION AND EVALUATION:
The Host Site Supervisor provides day-to-day supervision of VetCorps members. The Host Site Supervisor will evaluate performance in accordance with The Host Site’s policies.

HOURS:
Full-time VetCorps AmeriCorps*VISTA members are required to serve approximately 32-40 hours each week for a period of 365 days. At the National Council on Alcoholism and Other Drug Dependencies/Putnam (location and fiscal agent of the Putnam County Communities That Care Coalition), the office hours may vary depending on program needs. The VPC should anticipate occasional weekend and evening hours.

LOCATION:
The VPC’s office will be located at the National Council on Alcoholism in Carmel, NY.

Security Background Check: Applicants must undergo a criminal history check. The ability of an applicant to participate in VetCorps is contingent upon the results of the National Sex Offender Registry check, State criminal history check and a FBI fingerprint check. Applicants must provide a complete set of readable fingerprints and sign a statement indicating whether they have ever been convicted of a crime. If previously convicted of a crime, a written statement must describe the crime and particulars of the conviction. Applicants may request a record check for the volunteer position sought. In addition, applicants have the right to obtain a copy of any background report and to challenge the accuracy and completeness of the information with the agency providing the information before final eligibility is determined.

Other Requirements: To serve as a VPC, applicants must be at least 18 years of age, have a high school diploma or a GED and be a U.S. citizen or permanent resident alien. Documentation of age, education and legal status are due by start date.

TO APPLY:
Please email your cover letter and resume to Elaine Santos, Coalition Coordinator, at putnamdfcgrantee@gmail.com or fax to 845-225-5935.

Saturday, September 21, 2013

Family Day on September 23rd- Study Highlights the Importance of Family Dinners


Teens that have infrequent family dinners are likelier to smoke, drink, and use marijuana according to the The National Center  on Addiction and Substance Abuse at Columbia University (CASA Columbia). CASA has been surveying teens for eighteen years. 

“Family Day is a national movement to encourage parents to frequently eat dinner with their kids and be involved in their children’s lives. Family Day will be celebrated nationwide this year on Monday, Sept. 23rd”, stated Joseph DeMarzo, Coalition Co-Chairperson. According to CASAColumbia’s report The Importance of Family Dinners VII, compared to teens who have frequent family dinners (five to seven per week), those who have infrequent family dinners (fewer than three per week) are:   

Almost four times likelier to use tobacco  
  More than twice as likely to use alcohol  
Two-and-a-half times likelier to use marijuana  

The report also found that teens that have frequent family dinners are likelier to get better grades in school and to say they have an excellent relationship with their parents.  

The CASA Columbia family dinners report reveals that 58 percent of teens report having dinner with their families at least five times a week, a proportion that has remained consistent over the past decade. Having frequent family dinners also encourages healthy family relationships. According to the report, teens that have dinner with their families consistently are: 

One-and-a-half times likelier to report having an excellent relationship with their mother;  More than twice as likely to report having an excellent relationship with their father; and almost twice as likely to report having an excellent relationship with their sibling(s). 

“Family meals are the perfect time to have a conversation with your teen. It affords you the opportunity to spend time with your child, talk to them about their friends, interests and the dangers of drugs and alcohol. Parental engagement is the key, as this study proves.” stated Joseph DeMarzo, Coalition Co-Chairperson.

The study also states that teens that have infrequent family dinners have more access to alcohol, marijuana and prescription drugs (to get high) than teens who have consistent family dinners with their parents and siblings. 

“Having meals, even if they are on the go, with your child gives parents the opportunity to answer questions and recognize that they (the parent) have the power to help keep their children substance free. This is a very powerful study, and the best thing about it is that family dinners are an actionable goal for parents and teens to achieve. It’s not always easy because of busy schedules, but it is doable”, stated Elaine Santos, Putnam County Communities That Care Coalition Coordinator. 


For a FREE Family Dinner Kit please visit: http://casafamilyday.org/familyday/tools-you-can-use/family-dinner-kit/ 

Members of the Putnam County CTC Coalition are available if you have any questions or would like for us to do a presentation to your organization on this or any other substance abuse trends that affect our children  Please visit and join us on Facebook by searching “Putnam County Communities That Care – NY” or on Twitter at http://twitter.com/#!/PutnamCTCNY or call 845-225- 
4646. 


Thursday, September 5, 2013

Attention Parents and Educators: Health Concern Over Club Drug ‘Molly’





Tragedy struck over Labor Day weekend at New York City’s three day Electric Zoo music festival, held on Randall’s Island, after two concert-goers, both in their twenties, overdosed and died at the event after consuming “Molly”. At least four others remain in critical condition at area hospitals.  Thousands of teens and young adults attend the festival each year, As a result of the deaths, the third day of the concert was cancelled.

Many parents are asking “What is Molly”? According to the Partnership for a Drug Free America, Molly,” is the powder or crystal form of MDMA, which is the chemical used in Ecstasy. Some claim that Molly is less dangerous than other illegal drugs because it’s not physically addictive, more pure than other forms of ecstasy and will not cause cognitive impairment as it doesn’t kill brain cells. The reality, however, is that the use of Molly – a stimulant drug – comes with serious health risks. The Drug Enforcement Agency (DEA) notes that it can cause confusion, anxiety, depression, paranoia, sleep problems and drug craving.

Health risks and signs of Molly can include anything from involuntary teeth clenching, sudden loss of appetite, a loss of inhibitions, transfixion on sights and sounds, nausea, signs of depression and/or sadness, not being able to get out of bed for extended periods,  blurred vision and chills and/or sweating. More serious risks can even include increased heart rate and blood pressure and seizures.

Molly has been a popular drug at music festivals this year and is also mentioned in several popular songs including Miley Cyrus’ “We Can’t Stop”. Festivals are perhaps the most hazardous of settings, because when combined with the hot crowded conditions, intake of MDMA can lead to severe dehydration and dramatic increases in body temperature. This, in turn, can lead to muscle breakdown and kidney, liver and cardiovascular failure. An additional risk of taking Molly is the potential of it being “cut” or mixed with other harmful substances by someone else, despite claims of it being pure.
The Coalition advises parents to know the facts, talk with their kids and don’t take the use of Molly lightly.

If you suspect your child is using Molly (MDMA), please call 911 immediately or take to the Emergency Department of your local hospital. The Upstate Poison Control Center can also be reached at 1-800-222-1222.

Members of the Putnam CTC Coalition are available if you have any questions or would like for us to do a presentation to your organization on this or any other substance abuse trends that affect our children.  Please visit and join us on Facebook by searching “Putnam County Communities That Care – NY” or on Twitter at http://twitter.com/#!/PutnamCTCNY or call 845-225-4646.

Wednesday, August 28, 2013

Parent Alert: What are Shatter, Dabs and BHO?

Butane Hash Oil Header 

 
"Scariest was the case of a young woman
 who was hospitalized from a near-fatal allergic reaction 
in which her throat closed up after smoking dabs."
 
-Animal New York ("Dabs: The World's Most Powerful and Sought After Weed Product)

 
What is "dabs?" 
 
Dabs, otherwise known as butane hash oil (BHO), is an extremely potent extract created by passing butane through high-grade marijuana. Following the evaporation of the butane, a thick oil or resin remains.  The oil is most commonly vaporized using a special water pipe known as a rig, although it can be consumed orally as well.  Hash oil use has recently increased and is quickly becoming a more popular method of use among adolescents. 
   
The resulting high is far stronger than that from marijuana, due to hash oil's very high levels of THC (tetrahydrocannabinol).  While very strong strains of marijuana are around 25% THC, the 2009 United Nations "World Drug Report" states that hash oil can contain upwards of 60% THC.  Additional reports suggest that the THC content of hash oil can reach as high as 90%.
 
Even more concerning is the fact that butane, an extremely flammable and dangerous solvent, is used in the creation of butane hash oil.  A number of people have been injured in fires and explosions resulting from attempts to manufacture butane hash oil.  Additionally, there is risk of the final product having dangerous impurities due to the extraction methods and ingredients used.  Exposure to butane can cause numerous health problems, including neurotoxic effects.
 
It is crucial for parents to be aware of the increase in popularity of hash oil, and know what to look for.  Due to its concentrated form, hash oil is used in smaller amounts than marijuana and is much easier to conceal.  Hash oil can appear in various forms, be referred to by a number of different slang terms, and be manufactured using a variety of items.  
 
Hash Oil 2
 

Names: Hash oil, hashish oil, butane hash oil (BHO), honey oil, honey, honeycomb, dabs, earwax, wax, shatter, budder, concentrate, whip

Looks Like: Dark brown, amber, or gold
en oil or resin, pale or yellowish wax, tar, honey or honeycomb 
 
 Hash Oil Wax Amber Shatter
 
Related Items to Look For: Butane containers, glass or metal tubes, glass baking dishes, isopropyl alcohol, coffee filters  
 
Butane Hash Oil Tubes 

"Among incidents related to its production and use
 were untrained cooks 'blowing themselves up' blasting 
butane in jury-rigged home labs, and 'overdoses,' which as 
with strong marijuana are not fatal but involve extreme discomfort 
to the point of freaking out for long periods of time."
 
-Animal New York ("Dabs: The World's Most Powerful and Sought After Weed Product)
 
  
For more information on drugs of abuse, and the many other challenges that young people face every day, visit our Youth Challenges page.

Courtesy of NotMyKid