CONGRESSMAN WALSH AND PARTNERSHIP FOR DRUG-FREE AMERICA ANNOUNCE HELP LINE FOR SYRACUSE AREA PARENTS

(Syracuse, N.Y.)- Syracuse is one of only three cities in America to host the pilot test of a toll-free help line for parents who are seeking information to help their children deal with the issues of alcohol or drugs. The number for parents to call is
1-888-870-1820.

This help line – which is also being tested in Baltimore, MD and Omaha/Lincoln, NE – serves parents and other caregivers seeking information and advice on: (1) the principal drug threats facing kids and how to prevent abuse; (2) what to look for if they suspect their child is using drugs or alcohol and how to intervene; (3) what to do for a child who may be in trouble and needs treatment; and (4) how to support a child in recovery.

Representative Jim Walsh (R-NY) joined with the Partnership to announce this new resource for parents. “This is a tremendous resource for Syracuse area families and I commend the Partnership for a Drug-Free America for its innovative approach," said Walsh, who is the ranking member on the House Labor Health and Human Services, and Education Appropriations Sub-Committee. "It supports and complements my efforts to empower Central New York parents and help children make wise choices.”

U.S Senator Hillary Rodham Clinton (D-NY) added her support for the initiative, stating “I am proud Syracuse will be home to one of three pilot locations providing information and resources to parents as they guide their children towards safe and responsible decision making.  Initiatives like this are an important investment in children and families across the city,” Senator Clinton said.

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The three-city pilot is the first step toward the creation of a national parents helpline, a key component of the Partnership for a Drug-Free America’s new initiative – the creation of the first, national and user-friendly Parents Resource Center – where parents can seek information and support from experts and other parents via the Internet at www.drugfree.org, or by calling a toll-free helpline.

“For twenty years, the Partnership has been using media-based campaigns aimed at encouraging parents to more actively use their powerful influence to help their kids make healthy, drug-free decisions in their lives,” said Steve Pasierb, president and CEO of the Partnership. “Now, we will become more of a true partner with parents in that process by offering more comprehensive resources to help them address these tough issues. We see a toll-free number as a critical tool for parents to have at their disposal, as many might lack internet access or simply prefer talking to a live person.”

Calls from parents will be fielded by Alliance Healthcare Information, Inc., a health care communications center staffed with licensed health care professionals, including substance abuse counselors and nurses. Located in Ivyland, Pennsylvania, Alliance has been providing services exclusively to the health care industry for twelve years.

For each of the pilot markets, a list of qualified local resources for prevention, treatment and recovery support has been identified, and parents will be referred to them when appropriate.

Reinforcing the need for more resources for parents and families, Attorney General Andrew M. Cuomo said, "I am committed to fighting the battle of gun and gang violence that plagues our upstate communities, and I applaud the Partnership’s initiative that gives parents new tools to work with their children against the scourge of drugs.”

The toll-free number is open and accepting calls, and help is available Monday through Friday from 8:00a.m.-8:00p.m.

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The Partnership for a Drug-Free America is a nonprofit organization uniting communications professionals, renowned scientists and parents.  Best known for its national drug-education campaign, the Partnership’s mission is to reduce illicit drug use in America.  Now in its 20th year, the Partnership helps parents and caregivers effectively address drug and alcohol abuse with their children. A major new initiative now unfolding integrates the latest science and research with the most effective traditional media and digital communication techniques to give parents the tools, resources and support they need to help their children lead healthy lives.  This effort – the first ever for the Partnership – will include a web-based interactive information resource center, parent-to-parent support network, a national toll-free call center and user-friendly online/offline tools.  The Partnership depends on donations and support from individuals, corporations, foundations and government. The Partnership thanks SAG/AFTRA for their ongoing generosity.

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