Stony Brook University’s IMPACT Coalition, the Center for Prevention and Outreach and the University Police Department collaborated with the Brookhaven Drug Prevention Coalition for the “Shed the Meds” event. The event is in recognition of the Drug Enforcement Administration’s “Take Back Day” where people are encouraged to safely dispose of unused or expired prescription drugs to prevent drug addiction and overdose and environmental damage.

The event collects unused or expired prescription drugs to prevent drug addiction and overdose and environmental damage. 

Throughout the years, Stony Brook University has continually encouraged students and faculty to dispose of prescription drugs that are no longer needed, using it as an educational opportunity to inform the campus community about prescription drug abuse. According to the National Institute of Drug Abuse, thousands of Americans misuse prescription drugs yearly with the highest rate among young adults.

The community was able to drop off unused or expired medication at the Student Activities Center Plaza on Wednesday, October 20, from 10 am to 2 pm. Medications of any type were accepted, except liquids or needles.

This event receives support from the New York Office of Addiction Services & Supports (OASAS) College Environmental Prevention Grant.

In the days preceding Thanksgiving, 2021, the Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Committee at Stony Brook University brought a powerful, 80-minute documentary, “Black Men in White Coats” to Stony Brook and hosted two nights of related panel discussions for high school students.

Panelists Ishu Kant, MD; Jedan Phillips, MD; moderator Wilfred Farquharson, PhD; and panelist James Bernasko, MD; with audience members from the Suffolk County Alumnae Chapter of Delta Sigma Theta, a historically Black sorority dedicated to public service with an emphasis on programs that assist the Black community.

The premise of the film is that if more young Black males see more Black male doctors, they will say, “I can do that, too.” The importance of having more Black physician role models has reached crisis proportions. Today, Black men have the lowest life expectancy in the U.S. while only 2 percent of doctors in the U.S. are Black men. It’s a message that parents and educators. middle school and high school students, undergraduate and medical students, and the entire community need to hear, see, learn from and act upon.

Read the full story: https://www.stonybrookmedicine.edu/bmwc_2021_recap

The Long Island State Veterans Home (LISVH) at Stony Brook University celebrated its 30th anniversary with a special ceremony on Friday, Oct. 29.

Long Island State Veterans Home Executive Director Fred Sganga addresses the crowd at the 30th anniversary celebration on Oct. 29, 2021.

Stony Brook University President Maurie McInnis said that the university was proud to be the home for such an important facility, “a resource for and a monument to our country’s heroes.”

“For the past 30 years, for the next 30 years, and the next, and the next… the lives of our service men and women will always be nurtured and honored,” said McInnis, who thanked the veterans in residence for “protecting our freedom.”

The Long Island State Veterans Home opened on October 25, 1991, after more than 12 years of intensive planning and building. The 350-bed skilled nursing facility provides round-the-clock nursing and sub-acute care to veterans of the United States Armed Forces, and has provided care for more than 15,000 veterans.

Its mission is twofold. First, to provide the highest quality and most comprehensive healthcare services to Long Islands veterans, and second, to serve as a model site for research, and the education and training of tomorrows long-term care and geriatric professionals.

Speakers at the ceremony included New York State Assemblyman Steven Englebright, Suffolk County Legislator Kara Hahn, LISVH Executive Director Fred Sganga, Interim Dean of the Renaissance School of Medicine Dr. William Wertheim, LISVH Chaplain Rev. Gregory Leonard and LISVH Chairman Robert Smith.

“We continue to be honored to care for the one percent,” said Sganga. “The one percent of Americans that have worn the uniform. We owe a debt of gratitude to these brave women and men, and Stony Brook University’s decision to operate a state veterans home honors all from our region who have served in the Armed Forces.”

The ceremony included the dedication and unveiling of a commemorative statue of a flying eagle, “Honoring our residents, families, volunteers and employees.”

Read the full story: https://news.stonybrook.edu/university/long-island-state-veterans-home-celebrates-its-30th-anniversary/