Supervisor Daniel J. Panico has announced a new initiative aimed at preventing substance abuse among the youth of Brookhaven. The program, named "Mindfulness Matters: A Preventive Approach to Youth Substance Abuse," is a collaboration between the Brookhaven Town Department of General Services Youth Bureau Division and the Long Island Council on Alcoholism and Drug Dependence, Inc. (LICADD).
"The purpose of this workshop is to prevent substance abuse in Brookhaven’s youth by providing tools that could be used to help manage stress and anxiety, rather than turning to drug and alcohol experimentation," stated Supervisor Panico.
The workshop is funded by the Suffolk County Opioid Settlement Grant and will be led by LICADD Executive Director Steve Chassman. It is designed for individuals interested in youth mental health and substance abuse prevention. Additionally, it offers 2.5 Continuing Education Units (CEUs) for mental health professionals, subject to approval.
Participants will learn mindfulness techniques aimed at increasing awareness of thoughts and feelings, managing stress and negative emotions, building emotional resilience without resorting to substances, and fostering self-compassion.
Scheduled for July 22, 2025, from 9:30 a.m. to 12:00 p.m., the program will take place both virtually via Zoom and in person at Brookhaven Town Hall in Farmingville. A light breakfast will be provided. Registration is required due to limited space. Interested individuals can register online or contact the Brookhaven Youth Bureau for more information.