Where Can You Turn if You or Someone You Know

Needs Help?

Important Information for Mahopac Middle School

Students and Families

In recent years, the Mahopac Community

has suffered tragic losses and devastating,

life-altering injuries.

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.

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.

We have seen enough.

Some decisions can change your life forever.

Asking for help is one decision that could have a life-changing effect on you, your family, your

friends, and even perfect strangers.

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.

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.

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?

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.

Here are just a few of those people that are within a phone call, a walk down the hall or

short drive away.

Oh, and by the way, you WILL NOT get in trouble for

asking for help!

Middle School Guidance Counselors

Grade 6 – Mrs. MaxwellGrade 7 – Mrs. Powers

Grade 8 – Mrs. PuglieseAll Grades - Mr. Villanova

Student Services Staff:

Social Worker – Mrs. Kalman

Psychologists – Mr. Merriman Mrs. Martone

SRO – Deputy McKechnie

Provides help for teens (11 & older) and adults with alcohol or other substance

abuse problems.

75 Seminary Hill Road

Carmel, NY 10512

800-989-2676 x6108

www.armsacres.com

Arms Acres

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

Putnam County Youth Bureau Pegasus Program

A free and confidential program forchildren, teens and families whose liveshave 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

Mental Health Association

Education and help for children ages 8-12 and 13-18 with a mentally ill

parent or sibling.

1620 Route 22Brewster Towne Center

Brewster, NY 10509

Phone: (845) 278-7600

Green ChimneysHelp for children, teens, and families

in crisis. Provides counseling and temporary shelter in safe homes.

24 hour hotline: 845-279-2588

The Loft HelplinePeer counseling, crisis

intervention, general information, and referrals for GLBT children,

teens, adults, and families. Loftgaycenter.org

914-948-4922

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

Sheriff’s DepartmentDRUG HOTLINE

Concerned citizens can anonymously report drug activity

in the Putnam County area.

845-225-DRUG

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

This information might not mean a lot to you right now, but you might need it at some

point in the future.

There are many adults that you can talk to right here at school. Please let someone

know if you need help.

Thank you.