The Alcohol and Drug Awareness Council of Orange County (ADAC is partnering with the Pine Bush Central School District on an innovative new approach to substance use and mental health. Read the letter from MaryAlice Kovatch, prevention director at ADAC:

 

The Alcohol and Drug Awareness Council of Orange County (ADAC) is proud to be partnering with the Pine Bush Central School District on an innovative new approach to substance use and mental health prevention. Through this initiative, called ADAC IMPACT (Improving Mindsets, Policies, and Communities, Together), ADAC will place highly skilled Prevention Specialists in school districts across Orange County to provide universal prevention
education to all students as well as faculty and community members. The Prevention Specialists will also promote healthy living by implementing evidence-based programs and practices, presentations, disseminating information, and awareness campaigns relating to substance use and
mental health. They will also facilitate a program called Teen Intervene, an internationally recognized early intervention model for youth who are at risk of or experiencing mild to moderate negative consequences from substance use. The Prevention Specialists will be embedded in the school district and become a part of the school culture, fostering relationships with students and staff alike in an effort to lower the likelihood of youth engaging in problematic
substance use.

The Prevention Specialist for the Pine Bush Central School District is Jake Castro. Jake is a Pine Bush High School and University at Buffalo alumnus. He has enjoyed his experience in competing in collegiate level athletics and has continued to focus on fitness and exercise. He has two years of experience in education as a substitute teacher, both in Newburgh Enlarged City School District and Pine Bush Central School District. He loves traveling and experiencing life in different cultures. Jake looks forward to becoming a positive force in the community aiding young minds towards positive life choices.

ADAC is proud of our long-standing partnership with the Pine Bush Central School District and Community, and we look forward to working together to help our youth and communities thrive. Additional questions or inquiries may be directed to our Prevention Director, MaryAlice Kovatch.

Sincerely,
MaryAlice Kovatch
Prevention Director
mkovatch@adacinfo.com
(845)673-5903 ext. 227