White Plains CitizeNetReporter - D.A., Officials to Tour Schools to Advise on Perils of Teen Drinking

WPCNR AFTERNOON TRIB & POST. From Community Crime Prevention Bureau. (EDITED) November 26, 2002:A permanent advisory council comprised of 15 community leaders from across Westchester will work together in a coordinated effort to explore the causes and recommended solutions for the escalating problem of underage drinking. A panel of educational experts, including Westchester County District Attorney Jeanine Pirro, will tour high schools throughout the county in January to heighten awareness of the dangers of teen drinking.

Six Month Plan

The advisory council will meet on a regular basis over the next six months to share ideas, practices and resources. Their findings will form the basis of a second major conference planned for April 2003. A successful conference was held with a panel of Westchester community leaders who discussed the drinking issue on November 7 at Manhattanville College in Purchase, NY.

The concept for the permanent advisory council made up of the original conference panel members emerged from that symposium.

Concerned D.A., Doctors, Educators to Tour High Schools Across Area in January

In addition to creation of the advisory council, a subcommittee of council members, including: District Attorney Jeanine Pirro, medical professionals from the council and educators will begin visiting high schools across Westchester to present a special program focused on the real physical dangers posed by binge drinking.

This outreach program, which will begin in January, will include a powerful educational video on alcohol and substance abuse -- Dying High: Teens in the ER.

Filmed at White Plains HospitalCenter

This chilling documentary, which demonstrates the tragic consequences that often come with drinking, was filmed last spring at the White Plains Hospital Center’s Emergency Room- the busiest in Westchester County.

Pirro Outreach

The District Attorney explained that the advisory board and school program are a direct result of the countywide conference, which was held on November 7. Ms. Pirro, in a statement said,

“It was imperative that we capitalize on the momentum created by the conference and by the heightened level of awareness brought on by recent serious underage drinking incidents across Westchester. I believe the advisory board and high school visitation program are proactive steps that can help our community in coping with this very complex problem.”

Advisory Council a Gathering of Leaders

The members of the advisory council on underage drinking represent leaders from the business, education, law enforcement and healthcare communities, as well as parents, students and clergy. Joining District Attorney Pirro on the council are:

Sam Abate, Ardsley Village Supervisor & President of the Westchester Municipal Officials Association;

Don Antonecchia, Superintendent, Pleasantville Public Schools;

Richard Berman, President, Manhattanville College;

Dorothy Fallon, School Board President, Bedford Schools (representing Westchester School Boards Association);

Marsha Gordon, President, Westchester Chamber of Commerce;

Dr. Debra Jackson, Superintendent North Salem Schools;

Bruce Kelly, Chief, Community Crime Prevention Bureau, Westchester District Attorney’s Office;

Helana Jaffe, Westchester East Putnam District PTA;

Ann Janiak, Women’s Enterprise Development Center & the Westchester Municipal Officials Association;

George Longworth, Police Chief, Village of Dobbs Ferry;

Donald Marra, Village Administrator, Irvington;

Frank Marte, Westchester Youth Council;

Dr. Franklin Richardson, Pastor, Grace Baptist Church, Mt. Vernon;

Edward Stolzenberg, President & CEO, Westchester Medical Center;

Jon Schandler, President & CEO, White Plains Hospital Center;

Ron Smalls; Superintendent, Southern Westchester BOCES.

First Meeting in December

The advisory council will hold its first meeting on Monday, December 9. Thereafter, the council will continue to meet on an ongoing basis, leading up to the April symposium at which time the members will discuss their findings. Information about the council’s ongoing work and related information will be posted on the BOCES website.

For more information, please contact Bruce Kelly, Chief of the Community Crime Prevention Bureau, Westchester D.A.’s Office at (914) 995-3317.


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