As Students Head Back to School, Serino Focuses on Drug Prevention Education

AS STUDENTS HEAD BACK TO SCHOOL, SERINO FOCUSES ON DRUG PREVENTION EDUCATION

Announces Funding for Drug Prevention Initiatives

HYDE PARK, NY—Senator Sue Serino (R, C, I—Hyde Park) announced today that she successfully secured $20,000 to provide local drug prevention organizations with the necessary resources to engage local youth with education and outreach initiatives.

“Information and awareness are the first line of defense when it comes to combating the heroin epidemic,” said Senator Serino. “As students of all ages head back to school, it’s the best time to put a spotlight on the issue by helping to provide the resources necessary to be proactive in protecting our children.”

The funding was delivered to local, community drug prevention organizations— and Drug Crisis in Our Backyard and the Council on Addiction Prevention and Education of Dutchess County, Inc. (CAPE)—through state education grants. Both organizations work to raise awareness about preventing drug abuse and have demonstrated success in local communities.

Drug Crisis in Our Backyard was started in 2012 by Steve and Susan Salomone and Carol and Lou Christiansen after the tragic losses of their sons to heroin overdoses. The nonprofit community action organization seeks to de-stigmatize addiction in hopes of raising awareness for the epidemic plaguing communities across the country.

“Although we are pleased at the recent spotlight that is being shed on the drug epidemic, we want to make sure that parents do not become complacent regarding the threat to their children. As students go back to start the new school year parents should remain diligent  with their children and give them continued guidance towards reacting to the exposure to drugs they are likely to face ahead.” said Steven Salomone, one of the  co-founders of Drug Crisis in Our Backyard.

“With the grant money we are receiving we will be helping parents in that respect with awareness, educational and prevention activity.  In addition, our efforts in support of families who are already struggling with this disease include a peer to peer support group and Narcan training on October 17 in the East Fishkill Town Hall at 10:00 AM.” said Susan Salomone, President of Drug Crisis in Our Backyard.

CAPE, based in Dutchess County, was established in 1987 to meet the need for prevention education services in order to help individuals and the local community improve quality of life.

Executive Director, Elaine Trumpetto said, “The Council on Addiction Prevention and Education of Dutchess County, Inc. is humbled by the confidence that Senator Serino has placed in our small OASAS licensed prevention agency.  The funding secured by the Senator on CAPE’s behalf will enhance our current public health campaign focused on the disease of addiction with emphasis on the prevention, treatment and recovery needs of young people and their families in Dutchess County.”

Senator Serino concluded with an important message for parents and the community, “The heroin epidemic is here. It’s in our streets, in our schools, in our homes. If we want to put a stop to it, we cannot afford to turn a blind eye. Awareness is key and as our children head back to school, I encourage each and every member of this community to remain aware. Be vigilant, talk to your kids, and most importantly—listen.”

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