Hempstead, NY - December 4, 2013 - Nassau County Executive Edward P. Mangano and Nassau County District Attorney Kathleen Rice invite residents to attend a conference - ‘Smart Decisions - Helping Youth Survive in Today’s World’ - being held on December 10th at Hofstra University’s Sondra and David S. Mack Student Center, on the North Campus, from 8:30 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. The conference and resource event is sponsored by the Long Island Youth Safety Coalition and geared toward groups that work with youth to prevent drug abuse on Long Island.
“The obstacles and dangers that today’s youth face are significantly different than what was encountered in past generations,” said County Executive Mangano. “From cyber bullying and internet safety, to dangerous and distracted driving and underage alcohol and prescription drug abuse, our youth face many temptations and that is why we are here to guide them in developing strategies on how and why to make the right decisions.”
At the conference, Nassau Police Detective Pam Stark will discuss Law Enforcement and Substance Abuse Prevention Programs available to Nassau County schools and screen a new teenage substance abuse prevention video entitled ‘IMPACT.’ District Attorney Rice’s Office will also present a 45-minute slideshow presentation entitled, “Not My Child,” which highlights the stories of opiate addiction and discusses the current trends of synthetic designer drugs. A representative from the United States Attorney’s Office will also speak about the comprehensive approach federal law enforcement has taken with state and local authorities in combating prescription drug abuse on Long Island.
“Through education, awareness and enforcement, my administration and District Attorney Rice are diligently combatting drug abuse in Nassau County,” County Executive Mangano added. “This conference truly helps educate residents in recognizing the signs of substance use and abuse, while also providing tips for prevention.”
An interactive Prescription Drugs and Suicide Workshop will be included in the conference. A County-funded treatment provider will address the growing issue of suicide among our youth and screen a newly released video entitled “The Truth is....You Matter,” while addressing issues related to prescription drug use and suicide risk factors. Other topics of the conference will include distracted driving, cyber-bullying, online predators, sexting, information security and child sex abuse.
For more information on the conference, please call (516) 463-5750 or visit www.liyouthsafetycoalition.org or http://hofstra.edu/edworkshopreg. Pre-registration is required for attendance along with a $15 registration fee which includes breakfast and a lunch.