1. Where Can You Turn if You or Someone You Know Needs Help? Important Information for Mahopac Middle School Students and Families

2. In recent years, the Mahopac Community has suffered tragic losses and devastating, life-altering injuries.

3. Your teachers are taking the time to share this presentation with you today simply because we want you to live a long, happy, and healthy life.

4. We want to see your name in the paper because you did something great… … Not because you were high on drugs when you crashed your car and killed your best friend driving home from a Saturday night party.

5. We have seen enough.

6. Some decisions can change your life forever.

7. Asking for help is one decision that could have a life-changing effect on you, your family, your friends, and even perfect strangers.

8. So, as your teachers, what can we do? We can remind you that your life is meaningful and important, no matter what your grade is in this class.

9. We can also let you know that there are people and places that can help if you or someone you know might be on a slippery slope towards becoming another tragedy.

10. Do you (or someone you know)… 1 . Drink alcohol to deal with problems or to escape feelings of boredom, loneliness, fear, sadness, anger, or depression? 2. Use prescriptions, over-the-counter medications, or household chemicals (inhalants) in order to get high? 3. Buy, sell, or use illegal drugs? 4. Self-mutilate? (cutting, burning, inflicting other kinds of injuries upon yourself in order to feel pain and escape stressful feelings) 5. Think about or make threats about committing suicide? 6. Engage in risky activities or behaviors (such as stealing), not really caring about the consequences?

11. If you or someone you know has experienced any of these issues, please know that you are not alone. Many families go through stuff like this and there are many people who can help.

13. Middle School Guidance Counselors Grade 6 – Mrs. Maxwell Grade 7 – Mrs. Powers Grade 8 – Mrs. Pugliese All Grades - Mr. Villanova

14. Student Services Staff: Social Worker – Mrs. Kalman Psychologists – Mr. Merriman Mrs. Martone SRO – Deputy McKechnie

16. Putnam Family and Community Services: Provides help for children, teens, and adults that have experienced drug or alcohol addiction, trauma or that suffer from depression or other mental health issues. = 1808 Route Six Carmel, New York 10512 845-225-2700 pfcsinc.org

17. Putnam County Youth Bureau Pegasus Program A free and confidential program for children, teens and families whose lives have been impacted by alcohol and/or other drugs. Children are offered a safe place to share their experiences, feelings, and learn coping skills. 845-225-6316 x1126 putnamcountyny.com/youthbureau

18. Mental Health Association Education and help for children ages 8-12 and 13-18 with a mentally ill parent or sibling. 1620 Route 22 Brewster Towne Center Brewster, NY 10509 Phone: (845) 278-7600

19. Green Chimneys Help for children, teens, and families in crisis. Provides counseling and temporary shelter in safe homes. 24 hour hotline: 845-279-2588

20. The Loft Helpline Peer counseling, crisis intervention, general information, and referrals for GLBT children, teens, adults, and families. Loftgaycenter.org 914-948-4922

21. Crisis Intervention & Suicide Hotline Provides help to any person, at any age that feels that he or she is in danger of hurting him or herself. 24 hour hotline: (845) 278-2100

22. Sheriff’s Department DRUG HOTLINE Concerned citizens can anonymously report drug activity in the Putnam County area. 845-225-DRUG

23. Child Abuse Hotline Anyone can report child abuse. If you or someone you know is being abused, you can call for help any time, any day. 24 hour New York State hotline: 1-800-342-3720