Morgen Irwin

Alcohol Poisoning Responsible for Six Deaths a Day – CFLR, Inc. Offers Drinking Driver Classes

January, 2015 – Approximately six Americans die each day due to alcohol poisoning according to a new report from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Excessively drinking alcohol in a brief time frame causes a tremendous rise in one’s blood-alcohol level; as a result, certain parts of the brain that are responsible for the body’s breathing, body temperature and heart rate can shut down.

According to the report, middle-aged men were found to have a higher rate of mortality and thirty-eight million adults admitted to binge drinking as much as four times a month. To help combat the issue with alcohol consumption and driving, Center for Family Life and Recovery, Inc. offers a Drinking Driver Class for individuals in the community who need the support and guidance to avoid making the same mistake twice.

The New York State Drinking Driver Program (DPP) has been operated by CFLR, Inc. since 1975. This program is Department of Motor Vehicles approved, and offers education and rehabilitation for individuals convicted of Aggravated Drinking While Intoxicated, Driving While Intoxicated and Drinking While Ability Impaired. DDP classes are offered in Oneida, Lewis, and Herkimer Counties on various days and nights of the week. CFLR, Inc.’s instructors are approved by the NYS Department of Motor Vehicles and have extensive experience.

CFLR, Inc.’s Youth That Care and Communities That Care coalitions utilize effective strategies and initiatives to reduce or prevent alcohol and/or drug abuse in individuals, families, and communities. If you know of a youth that would like to get involved, or if you would like to get involved yourself, please contact Community Programs Director, Judith H. Reilly at 315-733-1709.

Center for Family Life and Recovery, Inc. is proud to be the area’s leading expert for advocacy, prevention, counseling, and training. As a community partner, it is important to us that we continue spreading the message of help and hope to our area and with those whom we work.

# ##

Phase Two of “Combat Heroin” Announced, Task Force Fights Heroin Epidemic

January, 2015 – In September 2014, Governor Andrew Cuomo introduced New York State’s Combat Heroin campaign. With the first launch of the campaign, New Yorkers were able to see “Real Story” videos on the state’s Combat Heroin website depicting stories of recovery from heroin use, as well as stories of loss from drug overdoses. Ten new “Real Story” videos, as well as new public service announcements can be seen on the Combat Heroin website; www.combatheroin.ny.gov.

Locally, community members are currently working to fight the heroin epidemic through participation in the Oneida County Heroin/Opiate Taskforce, co-led by Center for Family Life and Recovery, Inc. The taskforce is comprised of a variety of agencies within Oneida County that collaborate regarding the heroin epidemic in our community. Thus far, the Heroin/Opiate Taskforce has held an informational session at Mohawk Valley Community College to help people understand the issues around heroin; the presentation was well attended and the next meeting focuses on Treatment and Resources and will take place at MVCC on February 25^th from 6:30PM-8:00PM. CFLR’s website; www.whenthereshelpthereshope.com, provides information about the heroin epidemic as well what local resources are available.

If you are interested in learning how you can make a difference in our community, or for more information about Combat Heroin or the Oneida County Heroin/Opiate Taskforce, contact Judith H. Reilly, Community Programs Director for CFLR, Inc., at 315-733-1709, or jreilly@cflrinc.org.

Center for Family Life and Recovery, Inc. is proud to be the area’s leading expert for advocacy, prevention, counseling, and training. As a community partner, it is important to us that we continue spreading the message of help and hope to our area and with those whom we work.

# # #

As part of CFLR, Inc.’s Project Recover Program, we are excited to announce the start of the Project Recover Book Club! The book club is designed for individuals on their journey to recovery and will be held on the 2^nd Monday of each month. We welcome you to attend and take part in this wonderful community based networking opportunity.

*Seating is limited. If you are interested in joining please contact Family and Prevention Advocate, Gina Whalen, at 315.733.1709, or gwhalen@cflrinc.org to register.

Book: Basketball Junkie by Chris Herren and Bill Reynolds

Date: January 12^th 2015

When: 6:00PM – 7:00 PM

Location: Utica Public Library – 303 Genesee Street (2^nd Floor – music room)

CNY Services Milestones is hosting a Heroin/Opiate Family Support Group starting on January 8^th 2015. The group seeks to educate and support family and friends in Oneida County who have loved ones struggling with a heroin/opiate addiction.

Meetings will take place on Thursdays from 6:00pm-7:00pm at Center for Family Life and Recovery, Inc.’s Utica office located at 502 Court Street, Suite 401. For more information, please contact Nicole Siriano, CASAC/ Clinical Director of Milestones at nsiriano@cnyservices.org.