Rx FOR DISASTER: Get Smart about Prescription Painkillers and OTC Drugs
Safeguarding Kids from Prescription Drugs
Presentation to RHS Ninth Graders on Monday, April 29th

      Assistant Principal Michael Hugelmeyer shares the story of Phillip, who died of a drug overdose. Click for Video.

Family and Community Prescription Drug Forum, MONDAY, April 29th, at RHS 

The Riverhead Community Coalition for Safe and Drug-Free Youth once again hosted a family and community forum on Monday, April 29, 2013, at Riverhead High School entitled, "Rx for Disaster: Get Smart about Prescription Painkillers and Over the Counter (OTC) Drugs".
The forum addressed the growing problem of prescription painkiller and over the counter (OTC) drug abuse on Long Island, and ways community members can work cooperatively to address this problem and the subsequent crime and heartbreak related to it.

The forum featured two keynote speakers: Dr. Alexis Hugelmeyer (pictured left), Director of Community Education at Peconic Bay Medical Center (PBMC) and local family physician, and Cathy L., a Long Island parent who lost her 20 year-old son to a drug overdose after an eight year addiction that started with prescription painkillers. A panel of local experts including representatives from law enforcement, the medical community, substance abuse prevention and treatment fields, and the Suffolk County District Attorney's Office were also available for questions. In addition, the Suffolk County Sheriff's Office had an officer in attendance from 6:30 to 8:00 to collect any unused or unwanted prescription drugs that could otherwise end up in the hands of teens, addicts and criminals.

The forum followed a daytime presentation given to students in Riverhead High School; this year's focus is on ninth grade students because they did not receive the information last year. Assistant Principal Michael Hugelmeyer opened the presentation with a moving story about his nephew, Phillip, who died of an overdose.

"Last year's presentation had a striking effect on the students,"  said Dr. Alexis Hugelmeyer. "For our first forum, we were surprised at how engaged and intrigued they were; by the end, it was very clear that we had touched their lives in a very powerful way. To this day, I have parents come up to me in public and thank me for sharing our family's story and for informing their teen about the dangers of prescription narcotics. Every parent needs to learn more about an epidemic that is killing our kids."  (See the 2012 Forum Presentation on Youtube.)

Click here for the full article and here for a printable flyer.

RHS and RMS Students Participate in Red Ribbon Week

      CAP Peer Leader Trainer Clare Lundberg, Teandra, Rashae, and Dr. Alexis Hugelmeyer with Drug Free Ribbons.

(October 26, 2012) Red Ribbon Week (October 23-31, 2012) is the oldest and largest drug prevention program in the nation, reaching millions of Americans during the last week of October every year. By wearing red ribbons and participating in community anti-drug events, young people pledge to live a drug-free life and pay tribute to DEA Special Agent Enriqué "Kiki" Camarena, who was murdered by Mexican drug traffickers in 1985.

To celebrate Red Ribbon Week, Riverhead CAP and the Riverhead Community Coalition for Safe and Drug Free Youth sponsored an event on 10/26/12 at Riverhead High School to raise awareness about underage drinking and drug abuse. CAP Peer Leaders assisted by handing out red ribbons and literature to their peers during lunch. Dr. Alexis Hugelmeyer was on hand to answer student questions. There was a lot of enthusiasm from the students!

Both Teandra Jenkins and Rashae Smith, tenth graders at RHS, were adamant about staying drug free.

"We're serious about this pledge. We know that using drugs and alcohol can cause all kinds of bad things to happen," stated Rashae.

Teandra nodded in agreement. Both were CAP Peer Leaders in 8th grade, and Rashae is a member of the Council for Unity.

At the Middle School, CAP Peer Leaders are giving out red ribbons through 10/31 in exchange for signed pledges. The pledges will be hung on the bulletin board across from the Main Office.

Clare Marie Lundberg, CAP's Community Prevention Specialist, coordinated this event.

CHECK OUT CAP'S FACEBOOK PAGE FOR MORE PHOTOS!

Also See: Dr. Hugelmeyer's Narcotics Forum on YouTube / Also See: RiverheadLocal Article

More Links:
http://www.drugfree.org/drug-guide/prescription-pain-relievers
http://www.theantidrug.com/pdfs/TEENS_AND_PRESCRIPTION_DRUGS.pdf