MANGANO, MULVEY ANNOUNCE TOO GOOD FOR DRUGS PROGRAM

Nassau County Executive Edward P. Mangano and Nassau County Police
Commissioner Lawrence Mulvey were joined by Long Island Council on
Alcoholism and Drug Dependence's (LICADD) Executive Director Jeffrey
Reynolds at a press conference where they announced the implementation
of the "Too Good for Drugs Program," which was created in 1978 by the
Mendez Foundation.

"Too Good for Drugs" (TGFD) is a school-based prevention program for
kindergarten through 12th grade. It builds on students' resiliency by
teaching them how to be socially competent and autonomous problem
solvers. TGFD K-8 has a separate, developmentally appropriate
curriculum for each grade level, which includes emotional competency
skills, social and resistance skills, goal-setting and decision-making
skills.

TGFD from ninth to 12th grade is designed to reduce risk factors and
enhance protective factors related to alcohol, tobacco and other drug
use among students. Each curriculum builds on earlier grade levels, an
instructional design which enables students to learn important skills
sequentially and retain them year after year.

The "Too Good for Drugs Program" is an evidence-based program that has
been widely recognized for its successes and is currently in over
2,500 school districts, substance abuse treatment agencies and
community organizations in 50 states.

Studies conducted in elementary, middle and high schools have shown
positive effects on risk and protective factors relating to alcohol,
tobacco, and other drug use/violence. The TGFD program was effective
for students regardless of gender, socioeconomic status, and ethnic
background. Positive effects on substance use and protective factors
continued to be evidenced both short and long term.

This initiative is the county executive's third prong in an approach
to combating the current heroin epidemic that is claiming the lives of
many residents here in Nassau. Mangano announced on February 11 the
first two prongs of his approach to combating heroin in Nassau - an
enforcement initiative entitled Operation H.A.L.T. (Heroin Abuse
Location Targeting), which targets heroin users traveling in and out
of the county to purchase heroin, and his awareness initiative
centered around an ad campaign.

"Just as you can not spend your way out of deficit, we have learned
you cannot arrest your way out of a heroin epidemic," said Mangano.
"Education is one of the best ways to prevent our children from
heading down a very dangerous path. The implementation of this proven
program in our community will help give our children the tools they
need to resist this very hazardous lifestyle that often leads to
tragic circumstances."

On March 1 and March 2, the Mendez Foundation provided training to
many school officials, substance abuse professionals and law
enforcement personnel at our Nassau County Police Academy.

"Attendees will be trained to implement the program, including the
program components, and will cover how the lessons are set-up and the
importance of delivering with fidelity. In addition, the training will
provide sample lessons delivered by the trainers and by the
participants. The two-day training program will be paid for using
Nassau County Police asset forfeiture funds," said Mulvey.

"This proactive approach to combating the current heroin epidemic will
allow us to educate our children with age-appropriate material that
will yield results for years to come," said Mangano. "I would like to
thank LICADD for their advice and assistance as we continue to work
together towards eradicating heroin use from our communities."

LICADD's Executive Director Jeffrey Reynolds stated, "Nassau County
clearly understands the need to both address the supply-side of our
current heroin crisis and the demand side simultaneously. Too Good for
Drugs starts the educational process early and gives young people the
knowledge and skills necessary to avoid alcohol and other drugs as
they approach adolescence."