Face your Fears 

Fitness  Anti-Bully Program

Realease your fears of dance  and other phobias  by joining Nutru Fit 4 Kids ANTI BULLY PROGRAM. Our support group and workshop is developed to release tension and alternative ways of coping.

  • Walk & Talk Trails
  • Salsa & Latin Dance Performance
  • Virtual & In Person Classroom Workshop

SAPIS counselor Robert York educates students about the dangers of substance abuse at the West Bronx Academy High School. York also helps students get ready for college by visiting campuses.

Local 372 member Derrick Daniels helps students avoid drugs and gangs by helping them find jobs.

Members on the Frontline Combatting Mental Health and Addiction Challenges

 

District Council 37 members are addressing critical mental health and addiction issues in New York City, where drug overdose deaths have been rising for five consecutive years. Substance Abuse Prevention Intervention Specialists (SAPIS) in city schools play a vital role in helping teenagers understand the dangers of substance abuse and promoting healthy coping mechanisms.

 

Addressing Mental Health in Schools
SAPIS counselors like Derrick Daniels, a Local 372 member, work with students at Fordham Leadership Academy to provide essential guidance and support. Daniels focuses on life skills, helping students create resumés and apply for jobs, while fostering resilience against the pressures of gang culture and substance use.

Clinical Psychologist Steven Goldfinger, a Local 1189 member at Jacobi Medical Center, highlights the connection between mental health and addiction. Goldfinger works with patients during detox and outpatient programs, emphasizing the importance of addressing mental health issues as part of the recovery process.

 

“Mental health is an integral part of addiction recovery,” says Goldfinger. “Conversations with parents and teens about healthy coping mechanisms are crucial, especially during adolescence.”

 

Tackling Tobacco Addiction
SAPIS counselors also focus on preventing tobacco addiction, a gateway to other substance use. Counselors like Megan Rafaniello at Jr. High School IS 2 in Staten Island incorporate education about the dangers of tobacco products, including vaping, into their counseling sessions. Rafaniello stresses the importance of group discussions to equip students with the tools to make healthier choices.

 

Promoting Healthy Eating Habits
Mental health and addiction prevention go hand in hand with proper nutrition. Counselors encourage students to adopt balanced diets to support their physical and emotional well-being. Studies have shown that healthy eating can improve mood and reduce the likelihood of substance use. Daniels incorporates nutrition advice into his sessions, emphasizing how a good diet can help students stay focused and motivated.

 

A Call for More Resources
Despite the growing need, the number of SAPIS counselors in NYC schools has significantly decreased, with only 290 counselors in 2016 compared to 501 in 2008. Local 372 is advocating for consistent funding to address this gap, emphasizing the critical role of SAPIS counselors in tackling addiction and promoting mental health, tobacco cessation, and healthy living.

 

“Adolescence is the critical time to educate kids on these issues,” says Goldfinger. “With the right support and guidance, we can help them lead healthier, more productive lives.”

 

By addressing mental health, tobacco addiction, and healthy eating, these frontline members are making strides in combating the city’s addiction crisis while empowering the next generation to make healthier choices.