PRESS RELEASE / COMUNICADO DE PRENSA
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Contact:Hispanic Alliance for Prevention (HAP)
Email: info@hapcoalition.org
Website: www.hapcoalition.org
Date: October 2025
Hispanic Alliance for Prevention Coalition Names New Coordinator to Lead Community Prevention Efforts
Nassau County, NY — The Hispanic Alliance for Prevention Coalition (HAP) is pleased to announce the appointment of Elvia Lodati as its new Coordinator, effective September 2025. Elvia brings a strong background in community outreach and advocacy, having worked extensively with the Hispanic community in Nassau County. She previously served as a Community Liaison for the Westbury Union Free School District and played a key role in Saint Brigid Parish Outreach.
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Elvia was welcomed by HAP member organizations at the end of last month at the Coalition's monthly meeting with the participation of over 20 partner organizations. The gathering provided a valuable opportunity to connect, discuss coalition goals, and celebrate Hispanic Heritage Month, recognizing the rich culture, contributions, and diversity within the community.
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HAP remains committed to its mission of promoting healthy lifestyles and preventing substance misuse through education, community engagement, and collaboration.
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HAP is also excited to share that it has recently been awarded a new grant from the New York State Office of Addiction Services and Supports (OASAS) focused on cannabis prevention. This initiative aims to reduce the use, abuse, and misuse of cannabis within the Hispanic community across Nassau County.HAP has been working for several years across the county to promote prevention initiatives in collaboration with schools, businesses, and the general public, while advancing local policies that support lasting structural changes in our community.
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Elvia Lodati is eager to expand HAP’s reach, foster new partnerships, and provide prevention resources that positively impact youth, families, and organizations throughout Nassau County.
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La Coalición Alianza Hispana para la Prevención presenta a su nueva coordinadora para liderar los esfuerzos comunitarios de prevención del uso de sustancias.
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Condado de Nassau, NY — La Alianza Hispana para la Prevención (HAP) se complace en anunciar el nombramiento de Elvia Lodati como su nueva Coordinadora, a partir de septiembre de 2025. Elvia aporta una sólida experiencia en alcance comunitario, habiendo trabajado con la comunidad hispana en el condado de Nassau. Anteriormente se desempeñó como Enlace Comunitario en el distrito escolar de Westbury y tuvo un papel clave en el programa de alcance de la parroquia Saint Brigid.
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Bajo el liderazgo de Elvia, HAP reafirma su compromiso con la promoción de estilos de vida saludables y la prevención del uso indebido de sustancias a través de la educación, el compromiso comunitario y la colaboración.
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HAP también se complace en compartir que recientemente recibió una nueva subvención de OASAS (Oficina de Servicios y Apoyos para las Adicciones del Estado de Nueva York) centrada en la prevención del cannabis. Esta iniciativa tiene como objetivo reducir el uso, abuso y mal uso del cannabis dentro de la comunidad hispana en todo el condado de Nassau. HAP ha trabajado durante varios años en todo el condado para promover iniciativas de prevención en colaboración con escuelas, negocios y la comunidad en general, impulsando políticas locales que apoyan cambios estructurales duraderos en nuestra comunidad.
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Elvia Lodati espera con entusiasmo ampliar el alcance de HAP, fomentar nuevas alianzas y ofrecer recursos de prevención que impacten positivamente a los jóvenes, las familias y las organizaciones en todo el condado de Nassau.
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Para obtener más información sobre la Alianza Hispana para la Prevención, visite: www.hapcoalitionny.org o escríbanos a: hap@yesccc.org.
Publicaciones de prensa
​Press Release
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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
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“Prevention…is Good Business!” Campaign Launches in Nassau County to Support Hispanic-Owned Businesses in Preventing Underage Alcohol Sales
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Nassau County, NY — March 26, 2025 — The Hispanic Alliance for Prevention Coalition (HAP) has launched a prevention campaign, “Prevention…is Good Business!”, aimed at supporting Hispanic-owned and related small businesses across Nassau County in complying with laws against the sale of alcohol to minors. The campaign promotes the idea that preventing underage alcohol sales is not only a legal responsibility but also beneficial for community health, business reputation, and long-term customer relationships.
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As part of the campaign, HAP’s team will visit small businesses that sell alcohol, particularly in Nassau County towns with a strong Hispanic presence. The team will engage with business owners and managers to:
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Provide bilingual educational materials about preventing sales to minors.
Offer eye-catching campaign items like window clings, stickers, posters, and T-shirts to show public support for the cause.
Distribute TIPS training flyers to encourage responsible beverage service.
In addition, businesses will be invited to take photos with a campaign-branded prop, helping to promote their role as community leaders in prevention.
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“Small businesses are the economic heart of our community,” said Benjamin Coreas, Coalition Coordinator at Hispanic Alliance for Prevention (HAP). “We want to recognize and support those doing the right thing by preventing underage alcohol access. This campaign celebrates that commitment.”
“Prevention…is Good Business!” is part of a broader effort to foster healthy communities through education, collaboration, and empowerment. By making prevention a shared value, the campaign seeks to protect youth while strengthening local businesses.
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For more information about the campaign or to get involved, please visit www.hapcoalitionny.org or contact hap@yesccc.org.
About the Hispanic Alliance for Prevention (HAP)
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The Hispanic Alliance for Prevention Coalition (HAP) comprises a dedicated group of individuals representing local and state stakeholders, all united by the mission to work together to reduce substance misuse. HAP recognizes that the complex issues people face require acknowledgment, education, and awareness. The Hispanic Alliance for Prevention Coalition (HAP) is a collaborative effort of the YES Community Counseling Center, in partnership with the Hispanic Counseling Center (HCC), and supported by the New York State Office of Addiction Services and Supports (NYS OASAS).​​​​​​​​
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For Immediate Release
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Hispanic Alliance of Prevention Coalition Launches “Diversion Sin Sanción” Campaign to Combat Underage Drinking in Nassau County, NY
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Nassau County, NY – June,24, 2024 - The Hispanic Alliance of Prevention Coalition (HAP) announces the launch of its latest campaign, in“Diversion Sin Sanción” (Party Smart Without Breaking the Law), aimed at curbing underage drinking among teenagers aged 12 to 17 and fostering dialogue between parents and their children on responsible alcohol consumption. This initiative aligns with HAP’s ongoing commitment to community well-being and substance abuse prevention.
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The primary objective of the campaign is to raise awareness about the Social Host Law in Nassau County, NY, emphasizing its significance within the community. By educating teenagers about the risks and consequences associated with alcohol consumption, HAP aims to empower them to make informed decisions and avoid engaging in underage drinking activities.
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Furthermore, “Diversion Sin Sanción” seeks to equip parents with the necessary knowledge and tools to engage in open and constructive conversations with their children about alcohol. Through fostering a supportive environment for dialogue, HAP endeavors to strengthen familial bonds and encourage responsible decision-making among adolescents.
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As part of the campaign, HAP will actively participate in diverse community initiatives across Nassau County, NY. Additionally, the coalition will engage in special conferences, trainings, and substance abuse prevention events, collaborating closely with community partners to maximize impact.
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“We recognize the critical importance of addressing underage drinking within our community,” said Benjamin Coreas, Coalition Coordinator of HAP. “Through the ‘Diversion Sin Sanción’ campaign, we aim to empower both teenagers and parents with the knowledge and resources needed to make informed choices and foster healthy relationships.”
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In 2022, the YES Community Counseling Center was awarded the Special Populations Community Coalitions grant by the New York State Offices of Addiction Services and Support (NYS OASAS) for HAP. In partnership with the Hispanic Counseling Center (HCC), YES CCC provides social, economic, educational, and health resources to reduce substance use risk factors among Hispanic youth aged 12-17 in Nassau County. HAP’s prevention efforts prioritize linguistic and cultural competence to effectively serve the Hispanic community.
For more information on the “Diversion Sin Sanción” campaign and HAP’s initiatives, please visit www.hapcoalitionny.org
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Contact: Zaidy Sosa, Marketing and Communications Coordinator -HAP. Email: hap@yesccc.org
Notes for Editors:
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About 4,000 young people (under 21) die from excessive alcohol use each year.
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Underage drinking cost the United States $24 billion in 2010 (the most recent year of data available).
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Adolescents tend to drink if the adults around them drink or binge drink alcohol.For example, a study showed that adolescents whose parents drank 5 or more days in a month were significantly more likely to drink alcohol than adolescents whose parents didn't drink.
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Substance abuse statistics in Nassau County, NY
https://www.nassaucountyny.gov/3383/Drug-Overdose-Facts-Statistics
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About the Social Host Law
https://www.nassaucountyny.gov/DocumentCenter/View/1652/Social-Host-Law?bidId=Social-Host-Law.pdf
