Learning Library
“The State of Substance Misuse” with featured speaker DEA Special Agent Jon DeLena
DEA Special Agent Jon DeLena, a member of the Department of Justice Senior Executive Service and Associate Special Agent in Charge of the DEA’s New England Field Division, along with a panel of local first responders and healthcare experts, will discuss the state of substance misuse in our region and throughout NH.
Panel Members
Andrew Seefeld, M.D., FACEP, FAAEM, Medical Director of the Emergency Department, and Director of Emergency Medical Services and Trauma Services at Speare Memorial Hospital
Corey Gately, MLADC, SAP, Director of Substance Use Services at LRGHealthcare/ The Doorway at LRGHealthcare
Daisy Pierce, PhD, Executive Director, Navigating Recovery of the Lakes Region
Nathan Buffington, Detective/Sergeant, Plymouth Police Department
Chief David Suckling, Alexandria/Danbury Police Department
“8 Things About Alcohol” presented by: the CADY’s Youth Advisory and Advocacy Council (YAAC)
This presentation begins with a discussion of the alcohol industry’s advertising strategy: advertising by association. The student presenters discuss how the industry uses association-style advertising to connect alcohol with positive images, such as: people who have lots of friends, are athletic, are attractive, or who are having fun. The presenters emphasize that often these images used in ads have nothing to do with the actual results of using the product.
The presenters then go on to discuss how many of the images that the industry uses are particularly attractive to a young audience. The use of this type of advertising is problematic because it creates the impression in young people’s minds that the alcohol use is risk-free, harmless and “everyone is doing it.”
In the core of this presentation students emphasize the “Eight Consequences of Alcohol Use that the Alcohol Industry Won’t Warn You About.”
“Taylor’s Message” presented by: Kathi Sullivan
After a night of binge drinking and high-risk choices at a series of underage parties, Kathi’s 17 year old daughter Taylor wandered away alone in the woods, and drowned in only two feet of water. They found her 3 days later.
Two months later Kathi, Taylor’s mom, started sharing Taylor’s story with students and parents in hopes that her message would enlighten others on the dangers of underage drinking and high-risk choices. Passionate about reaching students hearts and minds, she simply shares with students what happened that night, how it could have been prevented and how Taylor’s death has affected her family, Taylor’s friends and the community. Students and parents leave Kathi’s presentation feeling like it was their friend or daughter that was lost that fateful night. Her presentation goes far beyond binge drinking, underage drinking and high-risk choices. Each audience member takes away something different.
Kathy has made it her mission in life to spread Taylor’s Message. Kathi’s presentation is heart-wrenching but ends with an inspiration message of hope, love and a newfound power for students to deal with peer pressure and tough choices they face every day. Her honesty, openness, and heartfelt message is packed with powerful take-aways and is a presentation that will not be soon forgotten.
“Talking About Risky Behavior” presented by: Samantha Worth and Maura McGowan, NH Teen Institute
Research shows that communicating clear standards for healthy behavior to our children is an important part of guiding our children away from high-risk behavior and helping them make healthy choices. In this workshop, you will learn how to develop clear standards for healthy behavior with our teens.
“The Social Media Long Game” presented by: Cindy Pierce, Author, Speaker and Comedic Storyteller
Combining research and stories in her presentations, Cindy Pierce aims to increase awareness of kids’ social struggles and to equip parents with talking points and ideas for ongoing conversations with their kids. Because there is universal acceptance of being attached to our phones, it is easy to avoid these conversations. A high level of concern about the long-term consequences of excessive screen time if on the minds of most parents, yet they feel powerless to make change.
“Cultivating Love and Connection In the Lives of Our Children As They Navigate Pain and Disconnection” presented by Dr. Jessica Dutille
Youth are experiencing severe pain and disconnection at alarming rates, which is reflected in the increase of mental health issues, substance use, bullying, violence, self-harm, and suicidal ideation. As a society, we can no longer afford to perpetuate disconnection and separatism while our children suffer the consequences. Instead, we need to teach them how to love themselves and to develop healthy connection inward and outward. Join Dr. Jessica Dutille for this webinar that explores research on love-based practices, such as mindfulness and meditation, and how these can be applies in not only transforming our children’s lives but also our own.
“Not in the Playbook” from featured speaker Chris Sullivan
Former NFL player Chris Sullivan shares his own personal battle with addiction, the dangers of alcohol and drugs and his amazing journey to recovery.
“Resilience: The Art of Bouncing Back” presented by: Dr. Maria Sanders
Presented by: Dr. Maria Sanders, PhD, JD, MBA
Join Dr. Maria Sanders for a philosophical discussion on strategies we can take to develop resilience and live full and flourishing lives during the global pandemic.
Dr. Sanders is an Applied Philosopher with an expertise in scholarly research in happiness, place, and the impact technologies are having on meaningful communication and experiences. She will share some practical steps we can take to minimize fear and stress during a time of uncertainty, while distinguishing between reckless and responsible risk taking.