Blog
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Monthly Parent Resource Guide – April
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Monthly Parent Resource Guide March
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Monthly Parent Resource Guide for February
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We’ve been busy!
This early fall has been a season of action and outreach. Our team has participated in at least five tabling events, connecting directly with the community to share vital resources and information. We’ve conducted over 200 naloxone trainings and distributions, empowering individuals to respond to opioid overdoses and save lives. Alongside that, we’ve handed out hundreds of Deterra bags to support safe medication disposal and protect our environment. Every effort reflects our deep commitment to education, prevention, and keeping our community safe and informed.
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Medication Take Back Day
Medication Take Back Day coming October 25, 2025
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Welcome New Staff
Naura Slivinsky……brings over 30 years of dedicated experience to her role as Community Engagement Facilitator with The Prevention Council of Putnam. She is committed to educating, supporting, and guiding individuals and families coping with substance use disorders (SUD) and mental health challenges.
Naura earned her Master’s in Social Work from Fordham University. Her journey began as a mental health worker at Four Winds Hospital, where she quickly became a preceptor for new staff. The impactful experiences with the dedicated team there inspired her to pursue her master’s degree.
Following her time at Four Winds, Naura worked in the outpatient department for many years, providing individual, family, and group therapy. She then joined the Putnam Northern Westchester Resource Center, overseeing the shelter and its staff.
In 1995, Naura transitioned to Arms Acres, an inpatient and outpatient treatment facility. She started in the intake department and advanced to Case Manager and Family Program Coordinator. During her time there, she designed and implemented the internship program for Credentialed Alcoholism and Substance Counselors and social work interns. She later joined the Regional/Community Relations team and was promoted to Director of Community Relations, where she raised awareness about Arms Acres and assisted patients entering treatment. This liaison role allowed her to foster collaboration between the facility, the community, and families in need of support.
In addition to her work with The Prevention Council, Naura serves part-time as the STOP DWI Administrator for Putnam County, where she promotes DWI prevention through education and awareness campaigns. She also moderates the Victim Impact Panel.
Naura has volunteered as a board member for various organizations and has been an active participant in the Putnam County Treatment Court Team since its inception. She has also been invited as a guest speaker on local television and Court TV.
In her new role with The Prevention Council of Putnam, Naura looks forward to continuing her mission to help others and promote prevention and community engagement.
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Satellite Mental Health Clinic
New Satellite Mental Health Clinic at Carmel High School
The Prevention Council of Putnam, Carmel Central School District and Student Assistance Services Counseling Center are partnering on a new initiative to provide on-site mental health services at Carmel High School (CHS). A new full time therapist, Alexandra (Allie) Vroman, was recently hired. Currently Allie is full time at CHS, and we are working with the school district to eventually expand services to George Fischer Middle School.
School-based Mental Health clinic satellites are programs embedded within the school environment to promote direct and timely access for students and their families to needed treatment and support.
By establishing a physical space within a school building, these mental health professionals become a part of the school community and increase visibility of mental health support for school staff and students to reduce stigma associated with seeking care.
This partnership provides a unique opportunity to engage children and families who might not seek mental health treatment elsewhere and strengthens the capacity for earlier recognition of mental health needs. This presence allows for greater opportunities for collaboration and coordination with school personnel to enhance treatment outcomes and promote the generalization of skills across various settings and circumstances.
Student Assistance Services Counseling Center (SASCC) is a NYS Office of Mental Health Licensed Article 31 Outpatient Treatment Program serving adolescents ages 13-20 and their families. Student Assistance Services strives to improve the mental health of adolescents and their families by providing the highest quality of clinical care regardless of the ability to pay. SASCC is staffed by an interdisciplinary team of mental health professionals and provide a wide range of mental health services to adolescents experiencing a mental illness. SASCC is part of a continuum of mental health services available to adolescents with serious emotional or behavioral issues. These services will promote hope and recovery and will focus on recipient choice and achievable outcomes.
The SASCC will provide comprehensive assessment, individual, group and family treatment services onsite, as well as psychiatric evaluation and medication management via tele-health or at our main clinic location in Tarrytown, NY.
Contact us for more information and to arrange an appointment at 914-874-1660.
All services are confidential
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Milton Carpenter Scholarship
The Prevention Council of Putnam is proud to announce that we have acquired the Milton Carpenter Scholarship. Milton Carpenter’s life experiences and personal values greatly influenced the establishment and criteria of the scholarship he created. Despite facing significant challenges early in life, he managed to overcome them and achieve success through his own efforts. His upbringing in a family affected by alcoholism likely shaped his perspective on the importance of education and the impact it can have on one’s future. Read more below.
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Compliance Checks with Kent PD
Town of Kent
POLICE DEPARTMENT
40 SYBIL’S CROSSING, KENT LAKES, NEW YORK 10512September 18, 2023
For Immediate ReleaseSubject -Alcohol Awareness & Compliance Checks
In a joint venture with -The Prevention Council of Putnam & The Carmel Communities That Care Coalition;
During the months of August and September 2023 Officers from the Town of Kent Police Department participated in Alcohol Awareness & Compliance Checks of the businesses in the Town of Kent that sell alcoholic beverages.
Using several volunteer underage operatives, Officers conducted 32 compliance checks, of the 32 compliance checks 29 passed. At the 3 businesses were alcohol was purchased by the underage operative the sales person was arrested for – Unlawfully Dealing with a Child in the First Degree.
These types of programs help bring awareness to the businesses as well as the public, letting everyone know we are working together to help keep our communities safe.#
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Keep Children Safe
Marijuana (cannabis) is now legal for medical or recreational use in most U.S. states. That means the availability of tempting treats that contain tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), the psychoactive ingredient in marijuana, is on the rise.
Below are links to help you understand the dangers of children consuming these products.
Healthy Children.org: Marijuana (cannabis) is now legal for medical or recreational use in most U.S. states. That means the availability of tempting treats that contain tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), the psychoactive ingredient in marijuana, is on the rise. Unfortunately, so is the unintentional THC poisoning risk these products pose to kids who get a hold of them. Continue Reading
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention: Edibles, or food and drink products infused with marijuana, have some different risks than smoked marijuana, including a greater risk of poisoning. Unlike smoked marijuana, edibles can:
- Take from 30 minutes to 2 hours to take effect,1 so some people may eat too much, which can lead to poisoning and/or serious injury.
- Cause intoxicating effects that last longer than expected, depending on the amount ingested, the last food eaten, and medications or alcohol used at the same time.
- Be unpredictable. The amount of tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), or the concentration or strength, is very difficult to measure and is often unknown in edible products. Many people who use edibles can be caught off-guard by their strength and long-lasting effects. Continue Reading
Visit Keep Children Safe webpage here.