LICADD receives prevention grants

One of Long Island’s largest nonprofit substance-abuse treatment agencies received three grants this winter that officials said will help them teach young people about the dire consequences of taking drugs.

The Long Island Council on Alcoholism and Drug Dependence, Inc. received a $10,000 grant from The Slomo and Cindy Silvian Foundation, Inc., and a $2,500 grant from the Laura B. Vogler Foundation, Inc. for the Too Good For Drugs program. On Dec. 12, the agency also accepted a $2,500 grant from PSEG for the Heroin Outreach Prevention & Education program. Both initiatives focus on preventive education and drug treatment for young people.

TGFD is a Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration-approved, evidence-based program designed to teach children in grades kindergarten through 12 about the potential health consequences associated with alcohol, drug and tobacco use, LICADD representatives said. They added that, in addition to their education and prevention services, LICADD provides ongoing assistance to educators, and when necessary can be a bridge to treatment for children and families suffering through addiction issues.

“Through these funds, LICADD can continue to expand and enhance a prevention program that helps children build core social competencies, refusal skills and protective factors relating to tobacco and other drug use during their critical formative educational years,” said Executive Director Steve Chassman, a Bellmore native and Kennedy High School alumnus. “LICADD will continue to participate in community meetings and network with a variety of youth-serving agencies to promote service coordination, collaboration and innovation.”

The PSEG grant was designated for the HOPE program, which focuses on heroin. Chassman previously told the Herald that opiate use is a growing issue throughout the region.