A Long Islander has been appointed to the 15-member New York State Cannabis Education Advisory Panel. The new panel was created by the state Office of Cannabis Management to guide cannabis education for young people, parents, caregivers and other trusted adults.
Jeffrey Reynolds, president and CEO of Family & Children’s Association, is the sole panel member from Long Island. He and his co-panelists will advise on creating accurate, culturally responsive and developmentally appropriate cannabis education materials.
“I’m pleased to have been named to the CEAP and look forward to helping to craft evidence-informed cannabis education initiatives for youth, families and communities across New York State,” Reynolds said in a news release about the panel.
The panel comprises public health professionals, clinicians specializing in adolescent development and addiction, educators, prevention specialists, faith leaders and community-based service providers. With members who were selected for their mix of backgrounds and geographic reach, the panel will serve for up to 12 months. It will meet regularly to advise OCM on expanding public health campaigns and educational resources statewide.
Reynolds brings decades of experience in behavioral health, addiction services, youth development and public health education to the panel. Under his leadership, Family & Children’s Association provides prevention, treatment and education programs serving tens of thousands of Long Islanders each year, including youth and families affected by substance use, mental health challenges and health literacy gaps.
As OCM develops new public health campaigns, CEAP will be tasked with advising on messaging, tone, scientific accuracy and cultural relevance. CEAP is also charged with helping align educational materials with best practices in adolescent health and development, as well as supporting transparency and public trust. The panel will coordinate with the state’s Department of Health and the Office of Addiction Services and Supports as it aims to ensure consistency and statewide impact.