Enrich Your Life, Empower Our Community!
"ITAC CommUnity Chatter" is a platform dedicated to providing the latest information and updates on critical public health issues affecting our community. In today's rapidly evolving landscape, staying informed is crucial. Knowledge is power, and being aware empowers us to make informed choices for ourselves and our loved ones.
May Trends
All resources below were mentioned in our Chatter Newsletter. Click on any PDF's to enlarge. For mobile devices, click on the "here" located below the title to download the file for viewing.
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What’s In Your Teen’s Room?
Discover the latest hiding spots, trends, & red flags in teen bedrooms. This eye-opening 10-minute video from The Tall Cop offers a walkthrough of a mock teen bedroom, highlighting everyday items with secret compartments and trends that may indicate risky behavior. Parents, educators, & law enforcement can benefit from staying informed. Click HERE to watch.
Tall Cop Says Stop is an internationally recognized trainer dedicated to drug prevention and education. His mission is to save lives from substance abuse and misuse through education—because as the Tall Cop says, "You Can't Stop What You Don't Know!"
Tall Cop Says Stop is an internationally recognized trainer dedicated to drug prevention and education. His mission is to save lives from substance abuse and misuse through education—because as the Tall Cop says, "You Can't Stop What You Don't Know!"
Legalizing Weed Has Brought More Risks Than Benefits—Time to Rethink
A decade after legalization, promised benefits remain unfulfilled amid rising use, addiction, mental health issues, and a thriving black market. States subsidize legal weed, raising costs, while failed votes suggest waning momentum. Harvard’s Dr. Madras calls legalization "a tragic" political mistake. Discover the hidden health risks and why it’s time to rethink our approach to cannabis in this eye-opening article. Read more: HERE.
OCM Launches New Cannabis Education Library
The Office of Cannabis Management has launched the Cannabis Education Library, a central, print-friendly resource for adults 21+ with info on safe use, product types, special populations, and NY cannabis laws. It also offers a free Print Order Form for businesses and community groups to request educational materials. To promote this, OCM has started the “Higher Education” multimedia campaign from April 17 to June 17, 2025, targeting high-traffic areas and events like 4/20. Additionally, Cannabis Education Library Decals will be placed in key locations statewide.
Support DFC Funding for 2026!
We need your help to ensure the Drug-Free Communities (DFC) program is fully funded for 2026!
- Why it matters: DFC has been instrumental in reducing substance use across communities. ITAC is funded by a Drug Free Communities Grant.
- What you can do: Contact your members of Congress and ask them to sign onto the Fitzpatrick-Tonko (House) or Grassley-Shaheen (Senate) letters in support of DFC funding.
- Take Action Now: Visit THIS link and click on: "Support Fully Funding the DFC Program" to send a message to the members of your congressional delegation right from the website. There are also sample letters if you'd prefer to email.
Webinars & Trainings
Operation Parent: Free Parenting Webinars
(All registrants will receive a recording! All live attendees will receive a certificate of attendance!)
1. Parenting in an Addictive World: When to Step In & How to Help
with Kriya Lendzion
Tuesday, May 6 at 1:00 PM EST
Parenting in today’s world means navigating a minefield of addictive temptations—social media, pornography, and substances can pull kids in before they even realize what’s happening. So how do you know when to step in, and how can you help without pushing them away? Join Kriya Lendzion, a counselor and prevention expert with over 30 years of experience, as she shares real-world strategies to help you guide your child through these challenges with warmth, structure, and impact. Drawing from her own journey through teen addiction, Kriya offers insight into what’s really going on beneath risky behaviors and how you can intervene in ways that build trust and lasting change.
Register: HERE.
2. Beyond ‘Don’t Do It’: Real Talk About Youth Substance Use & Intervention
with Dr. Bonnie Halpern-Felsher
Tuesday, June 3 at 12:30 PM EST
DIFFERENT TIME: 12:30 PM EST Telling kids to “just say no” isn’t enough - but what actually works? Join Dr. Bonnie Halpern-Felsher from the Stanford REACH Lab for a real, research-backed conversation about youth substance use. Learn why kids and teens take risks, how scare tactics and punishments often fail, and what parents, schools, and communities can do instead. This webinar will give you practical, science-based strategies to help young people make healthier choices while also addressing their mental health and well-being.
Register: HERE.
Everyday Resilience: Tools to Thrive
Trauma - Informed Communities
Tuesday, May 13 at 12:00 PM – 01:00 PM EST
Join us for an engaging and practical webinar, introducing the Community Resiliency Model (CRM)—a set of wellness skills designed to help you navigate stress and build resilience in everyday life. Whether you're facing personal challenges, supporting others, or simply looking to strengthen your own emotional well-being, CRM offers simple, body-based tools that anyone can use. Learn how to restore balance, increase self-awareness, and thrive! Speakers: Jonah Crump and Sarah Finnemore.
Register: HERE.
Neurodiversity-Affirming Care: Shifting Perspectives and Practices
ERIE COUNTY TRAINING COLLABORATIVE
Tuesday, May 20 at 12:00 PM – 01:00 PM EST
This training explores the concept of neurodiversity and the importance of fostering supportive environments. Participants will learn how to adjust their approach and language to better align with neurodiversity-affirming practices. The session will introduce practical strategies for engaging with and supporting neurodivergent individuals. Attendees will leave with actionable tools to apply in both professional and personal settings, helping to create spaces where neurodivergent individuals feel valued and understood. Presenters: David Herring, PhD, Adriana Ragland, LMSW, Michael Schmitt.
Register: HERE.
Mental Health Summit
Allegheny Department of Mental Health & Children and Youth with Special Health Care Needs
Tuesday, June 25 at 08:30 AM – 04:30 PM EST
Save the Date! Are you a professional working with families or individuals in Allegany County impacted by mental health challenges? You’re invited to the Mental Health Summit where Dr. Zahi Kassas will be the keynote speaker. You will have the opportunity to engage in collaborative discussions and professional networking.
Lunch is not provided but light refreshments will be served. Please RSVP by using the link below or scan the QR code to save your spot today!
Register: HERE.
(All registrants will receive a recording! All live attendees will receive a certificate of attendance!)
1. Parenting in an Addictive World: When to Step In & How to Help
with Kriya Lendzion
Tuesday, May 6 at 1:00 PM EST
Parenting in today’s world means navigating a minefield of addictive temptations—social media, pornography, and substances can pull kids in before they even realize what’s happening. So how do you know when to step in, and how can you help without pushing them away? Join Kriya Lendzion, a counselor and prevention expert with over 30 years of experience, as she shares real-world strategies to help you guide your child through these challenges with warmth, structure, and impact. Drawing from her own journey through teen addiction, Kriya offers insight into what’s really going on beneath risky behaviors and how you can intervene in ways that build trust and lasting change.
Register: HERE.
2. Beyond ‘Don’t Do It’: Real Talk About Youth Substance Use & Intervention
with Dr. Bonnie Halpern-Felsher
Tuesday, June 3 at 12:30 PM EST
DIFFERENT TIME: 12:30 PM EST Telling kids to “just say no” isn’t enough - but what actually works? Join Dr. Bonnie Halpern-Felsher from the Stanford REACH Lab for a real, research-backed conversation about youth substance use. Learn why kids and teens take risks, how scare tactics and punishments often fail, and what parents, schools, and communities can do instead. This webinar will give you practical, science-based strategies to help young people make healthier choices while also addressing their mental health and well-being.
Register: HERE.
Everyday Resilience: Tools to Thrive
Trauma - Informed Communities
Tuesday, May 13 at 12:00 PM – 01:00 PM EST
Join us for an engaging and practical webinar, introducing the Community Resiliency Model (CRM)—a set of wellness skills designed to help you navigate stress and build resilience in everyday life. Whether you're facing personal challenges, supporting others, or simply looking to strengthen your own emotional well-being, CRM offers simple, body-based tools that anyone can use. Learn how to restore balance, increase self-awareness, and thrive! Speakers: Jonah Crump and Sarah Finnemore.
Register: HERE.
Neurodiversity-Affirming Care: Shifting Perspectives and Practices
ERIE COUNTY TRAINING COLLABORATIVE
Tuesday, May 20 at 12:00 PM – 01:00 PM EST
This training explores the concept of neurodiversity and the importance of fostering supportive environments. Participants will learn how to adjust their approach and language to better align with neurodiversity-affirming practices. The session will introduce practical strategies for engaging with and supporting neurodivergent individuals. Attendees will leave with actionable tools to apply in both professional and personal settings, helping to create spaces where neurodivergent individuals feel valued and understood. Presenters: David Herring, PhD, Adriana Ragland, LMSW, Michael Schmitt.
Register: HERE.
Mental Health Summit
Allegheny Department of Mental Health & Children and Youth with Special Health Care Needs
Tuesday, June 25 at 08:30 AM – 04:30 PM EST
Save the Date! Are you a professional working with families or individuals in Allegany County impacted by mental health challenges? You’re invited to the Mental Health Summit where Dr. Zahi Kassas will be the keynote speaker. You will have the opportunity to engage in collaborative discussions and professional networking.
Lunch is not provided but light refreshments will be served. Please RSVP by using the link below or scan the QR code to save your spot today!
Register: HERE.
Local Businesses Support Youth Safety
ITAC continues to thank the following businesses for their dedication to our mission and community: Aurora Liquor, Delta Sonic Car Wash, Elma Wine & Liquor, Niagara Produce, Reed's Liquor Store, and Tops Markets. Please support these retailers.
By prominently displaying "Under 21: No Alcohol Purchase" stickers on their doors, they are making a significant contribution to keeping our youth healthy and safe. If you would like FREE stickers for your establishment, please email [email protected]. We extend our gratitude to Chaffee Chick Design Print & Promo for their outstanding work in printing our stickers.
By prominently displaying "Under 21: No Alcohol Purchase" stickers on their doors, they are making a significant contribution to keeping our youth healthy and safe. If you would like FREE stickers for your establishment, please email [email protected]. We extend our gratitude to Chaffee Chick Design Print & Promo for their outstanding work in printing our stickers.
