Conference scheduled to help youth groups prevent drug abuse

Nassau County Executive Edward Mangano and District Attorney Kathleen Rice invite residents to a conference — “Smart Decisions — Helping Youth Survive in Today's World” — from 8:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. Dec. 10 at Hofstra University’s Sondra and David S. Mack Student Center.

The conference 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 Mangano in a news statement. “From cyber bullying and Internet safety, to dangerous and distracted driving and underage alcohol and prescription drug abuse . . . [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 Det. 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 titled “IMPACT.” Rice’s office will present a 45-minute slide show titled “Not My Child,” which highlights the stories of opiate addiction and discusses the current trends of synthetic designer drugs. A representative from the U.S. attorney’s office will also speak.

For more information on the conference, call 516-463-5750 or visit liyouthsafetycoalition.org or hofstra.edu/edworkshopreg. Preregistration is required for attendance along with a $15 registration fee, which includes breakfast and a lunch.