What are you studying?   I am a double major studying health and human services and psychology. Once I get my undergraduate, I would like to go back to school to get my masters in social work after a few years off. Where are you from? I am from Derby NY, located in the Southtowns of Buffalo. What drew you to interning with KED?   My internship advisor told me that she had a student who interned at KED before and they had a really amazing experience with it. She advertised it

Prescription Have you made an effort to store your prescription medicine safely? Every day, young people come across medications in places adults rarely think twice about—bathroom drawers, kitchen cabinets, backpacks, even purses. To keep kids safe, adults and parents can take a few simple steps that make a huge difference. 1. Lock It Up Medications—prescription or over the counter—don’t belong within easy reach. Quick ways to secure meds: Use a lockbox or locking cabinet Kee

Underage cannabis use can pose several risks to adolescents and young adults, primarily because the brain is still developing during this period. Here are some of the key risks associated with underage cannabis use: 1. Impaired Brain Development: The brain undergoes significant development during adolescence, including the formation of crucial neural pathways and structures. Cannabis use during this period can interfere with normal brain development, potentially leading to lo

Drug harm reduction is about keeping people safe, healthy, and alive. It’s a caring approach that helps people who use drugs reduce the risks that come with it — without judgment or shame. What Does “Harm Reduction” Mean? Harm reduction means finding ways to make drug use less dangerous. Some people may not be ready or able to stop using drugs right now, and that’s okay. Harm reduction meets people where they are and gives them tools and supp ort to stay safe until they’re r

The holiday season is a time for family, friends, and celebration. Many people look forward to gathering together, sharing meals, and making memories. But as the parties and festivities begin, it’s also a good time to talk about drinking — especially how we can make safe and healthy choices for ourselves and our loved ones. One concern that often comes up during the holidays is parents allowing their underage kids to drink “just a little” at home. Some parents believe it’s sa

Protective factors are characteristics, traits, or circumstances that help individuals, families, and communities reduce the risk of substance use. Among the most powerful protective factors for youth are strong social skills and a high commitment to school. When young people feel connected to their school, peers, and community they’re more likely to develop the confidence and coping abilities needed to make positive choices. Involvement in school activities, clubs, or commun

How/why did you get started at KED/SFC? I have spent much of my personal life doing philanthropic work in and around Western New York. As a teen I volunteered for numerous charitable organizations including the Susan Komen Foundation, Bald for Bucks, the Boys and Girls Club of WNY, Love Your Melon and many more. After multiple years of teaching, I decided to follow my heart back to charitable work, and I began working at KED in September of 2025 as a Face2Face Program Special

It can be difficult to tell if your child is using drugs, but there are some signs that you can look out for: Changes in behavior: Your...

If your child has been using drugs and/or alcohol, an Early Intervention session on the Kids Escaping Drugs (KED) Campus is the first...

Mark Jack is my son. He passed on Easter Sunday, two days after his 26th birthday. He died of an overdose eight years into his disease....

How/why did you get started at KED/SFC? My fiancé and I have been hoping to relocate to this area for the past few years. Over that time,...

What are you studying?   I am a Health and Human Services major with a focus on Community Mental Health, and a minor in Addiction...

It's true that there tends to be an increase in drug use among youth during the summer months. There are a few reasons for this trend: 1....

Stigma refers to negative attitudes, beliefs, and stereotypes that lead to discrimination and marginalization of individuals or groups...

Social media can be a powerful tool for communication, self-expression, and connection , but it also comes with several dangers for kids...

Genetics and Addiction: How Your DNA Can Influence Substance Use Addiction is a complicated condition that doesn’t have a single cause....

Stress is a normal part of life, but when it becomes chronic or overwhelming, it can significantly affect our mental and physical health....

Fentanyl is a synthetic opioid that is much more potent than heroin, meaning that a much smaller amount can produce the same effects....

Staying sober during the holidays can be especially challenging with the emphasis on celebrations, gatherings, and sometimes, stress....

When we think of Peer Pressure in relation to substance, we often picture youth's peers encouraging them to use. But both internal peer...