Working Together
to prevent substance misuse and promote healthy families
May 2019 E-Newsletter
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MTAC TOWN HALL MEETING
Massapequa Talks: Why Here in the Massapequas?
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MTAC invites all parents and residents to learn more about youth (grades 7-12) underage drinking, marijuana, vaping and Rx drug misuse in the Massapequas
(
*2018 Massapequa YDS Survey Results
)
.
Join your community coalition and discuss what you know, what you should know and what you think should be done to ensure a healthy future for our youth!
Click here
for our flyer!
For more information, contact MTAC at 516-799-3000 x131.
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Town of Oyster Bay, Village of Massapequa Park, YES and MTAC
Working Together
Prevent Teen Vaping and Promote Healthy Families
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In April, Town of Oyster Bay Supervisor Joseph Saladino joined with Massapequa Park Mayor Jeff Pravado, YES Community Counseling Center and members of the Massapequa Takes Action Coalition for a press conference to announce the Town's proposed restrictions on vaping and hookah lounges. The proposed legislation would restrict vaping and hookah lounges within 1,000 feet from any school, library or church, limits sales on products and requires businesses to post warning signs regarding the dangers of vaping/e-cigarette products. See local news media covering the Town's Announcement:
CBS Local
;
Newsday
and
Syosset Advance
.
On Tuesday, May 7th, the Town of Oyster Bay Board held a
public hearing
with regard to the
proposed legislation
. MTAC presented information noting the increased youth use of e-cigarettes and vaping products as well as the adverse health impact the chemicals and vapors pose to our teens and young adults.
In addition, other residents and the
NYS Vapor Association
stated their opposition to the bill and its restrictions to the location of vape lounges, hookah lounges, smoke and vape shops being within industrial areas and not being located within a thousand foot radius of the lot line of any residence, school, park playground, library, church or house of worship.
The public hearing was closed and the legislation was not put forward. We are hopeful that our Town leaders will act in the best interest of our community members.
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MTAC Take Back Collects 200 lbs Rx Drugs
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Over seventy residents and parents helped prevent prescription drug misuse in April by turning in 200 pounds of unused or expired medication for safe disposal at MTAC's April Drug Take Back Event at Massapequa High School.
In addition, 37.5 pounds of needles and syringes were collected and disposed with the help of the Community Action for Social Justice (CASJ). MTAC also provided residents with free
Dispose Rx
Home Drug Disposal Kits!
We thank Senator John Brooks, Assemblyman Mike LiPetri, Massapequa Public Schools, YES Community Counseling Center, Massapequa Council of PTAs, Nassau County Police Department, Massapequa Chamber of Commerce, Massapequa Public Library, New York National Guard Counterdrug Task Force, Massapequa Post and our many MTAC volunteers for your ongoing support!
If you missed the event, residents can always drop off unused or expired meds (no liquids or ointments) any time/day at
Nassau County Police Department 7th Precinct
3636 Merrick Road, Seaford, NY 11783
or
ANY Nassau County Police Precinct!
If you are interested in obtaining free Rx Drug Home Disposal Kits,
contact MTAC at 516-799-3000 x 131.
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Research shows that teens whose parents communicate with them that underage drinking is unacceptable are more than 80% less likely to drink than teens whose parents give them other messages about underage drinking. A clear no-use message is the most effective way for parents to help keep their kids safe from the many dangers associated with underage alcohol use.
But what messages should we give and is there a one size fits all? As with all things, one size does not fit all - this is especially true when talking with our children and teens about alcohol, our concerns and expectations. What you say to a 9-year-old about alcohol is different from what you should say to a 15-year-old.
Click here
for some helpful prevention tips on connecting with your child at any age!
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Spring and Summer
Positive Alternatives for Tweens & Teens!
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Summer Recreation & Sports Camps
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Remember that Massapequa Public Schools 2019 Summer Recreation & Sport Camps Registration begins May 29th! Registration & Payment will be Online ONLY. Details To Be Announced
The MPS Summer Recreation Programs are open ONLY to residents of Massapequa Union Free School District 23. Children entering Kindergarten must be registered for September 2019. For more information, contact the RECREATION OFFICE at 308-5080.
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Tweens and teens (grades 6 - 12) are invited to join Massapequa Public Library's
(MPL) Pequa Podcast
! Bring your voice and share your opinion - it's that easy!!
No prior podcasting experience is necessary - we're going to learn together. Help us write scripts, record segments, make music, and more!
For more information regarding MPL t(w)een workshops, contact
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Tweens and teens probably see and hear a lot about alcohol - from TV, movies, music, social media and friends.
When it comes to talking with your t(w)eens about alcohol, be a Myth Buster! Here are some commons myths and facts about alcohol use:*
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MYTH:
All of the other kids drink alcohol.
FACT
:
Most young people don’t drink alcohol! Research shows that almost 80 percent of 12- to 20-year-olds haven’t had a drink in the past month.
MYTH:
Alcohol isn't as harmful as other drugs.
FACT:
The brain doesn't stop growing and developing until about age 25, and drinking can affect how it develops. Plus, alcohol increases risk for many diseases, such as cancer. Underage drinking can cause accidents and injuries, sending teens and young adults to the emergency room.
Myth:
There's no reason to wait until your 21 to drink.
FACT:
People who begin drinking before they turn 15 are more likely to develop a drinking problem at some point in their lives than those who begin drinking at age 21 or older, when it is legal to drink in all states and Washington, D.C.
Myth:
You can drink alcohol and you won't get into trouble.
FACT:
All states and Washington, D.C., have 21-year-old minimum-drinking-age laws. If you get caught drinking, you might have to pay a fine, do community service, take alcohol awareness classes, or even spend time in jail.
*Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration
HHS Pub SMA-18-4299
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Since 1997, MTAC has been collaborating with Massapequa Public Schools, parents, residents, law enforcement, clergy, private and non-profit agencies, businesses, and federal, state and local governments to prevent and reduce substance misuse and high-risk behaviors within the Massapequas.
This e-newsletter was developed under grant number 1H79SPO80744-01 from the
ONDCP
and
SAMHSA
. The views, opinions, and content of this publication are those of the authors and contributors, and do not necessarily reflect the views, opinions or policies of the ONDCP, SAMHSA or HHS.
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