Dental industry news: New York City drug education program for school children recognized

QUEENS, New York—Queens Council Member Daniel J. Halloran has presented a city of New York proclamation to the Foundation for a Drug-Free World New York Chapter and the Fialkoff Foundation for a Drug-Free World New York City Program at the Fialkoff Dental Study Club.

Dr. Bernard Fialkoff, Queens periodontist and dental implant specialist, founded the study club in the mid-1990s and more recently, founded the Fialkoff Foundation for a Drug-Free World NYC Program (www.drugfreeworld.org) by running the community service program through his office and educational group.

In 2012, Dr. Fialkoff’s office presented more than 100 free drug education events to New York City schools, after-school programs and community centers. In 2006, Meghan Fialkoff, community affairs director at Dr. Fialkoff’s office, founded the New York Chapter of Foundation for a Drug-Free World.

Together, they have presented more than 300 free drug education events, pledging in more than 30,000 students as Drug Free Marshals in the past six years. Councilman Halloran’s presentation acknowledged their work and the significance of professionals taking part in such vital programs.

Council member Halloran read the proclamation which states, “In keeping with the customs of the members of the Council of the City of New York to honor our most distinguished individuals and organizations for their outstanding contributions to the City of New York, it is a privilege to pay tribute to the Foundation for a Drug-Free World New York Chapter and the Fialkoff Foundation for a Drug-Free World NYC Program.”

The proclamation continues with, “Dr. Bernard Fialkoff, Founder of the Fialkoff Foundation for a Drug-Free World NYC Program and Meghan Fialkoff, Director of the Foundation for a Drug-Free World NY are exceptional community leaders and catalysts for change in the field of education and drug prevention, who have helped enable thousands of children to become real future leaders of the City. They have truly enriched our City with their dedication, service and leadership …”

Dr. Bernard Fialkoff said, “The success of any program begins with the individual. Any worthwhile activity begins with individuals then spreads to local groups, the city, the state and then nationally. Many professionals are speaking about how the negative environment is affecting our practices. This program helps children to stay off of street drugs and has gotten positive results. We are proud that Councilman Halloran is acknowledging this program and taking a lead role in helping to change all of the downturn that has occurred in the last few years. As professionals, we can feel proud to live up to our purpose of helping our community and improving their lives. What better way there is to show this and to do this than to help the very children who will in short order, be in charge of our area.”

The Foundation for a Drug-Free World is a nonprofit public benefit corporation that empowers youth and adults with factual information about drugs so they can make informed decisions and live drug-free. The foundation provides the facts that help empower youth to choose not to take drugs in the first place through free educational events and curriculum.

Through a worldwide network of the foundation’s volunteers, 56 million educational handouts have been distributed, tens of thousands of drug awareness events have been held in some 120 countries, and Truth About Drugs public service announcements have been aired on 275 television stations. These materials and activities have helped people around the world learn about the destructive side effects of drugs and thereby make the decision for themselves to not use them.

The study club was founded in the mid 1990s, and has an audience of 50 to 100 dentists each month. It focuses on raising dental excellence, standards and camaraderie in the New York boroughs. Dr. Bernard Fialkoff has had a periodontal, dental implant and cosmetic laser surgery office for more than 31 years. He has a web page devoted to the drug education program at http://baysidedentist.com/our-office/community-drug-education-program/.

For more information, go to www.baysidedentist.com.

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