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David Lawrence

Centers

Prevention and
The Collier County Behavioral Health
T he C ollier C ount y Be ha v ior al He alt h
C ent er , a par t ner ship bet w een D a v id
Center, a partnership between David
Lawrence Centers and Collier County,
L a w r enc e C ent er s and C ollier C ount y , Education Vital
w ill ne ar l y t r iple t he number of adult s
will nearly triple the number of adults
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by Jessica Liria, Director of Prevention and Education Services
at David Lawrence Centers for Behavioral Health
rom increased societal stressors to The programs also focus on developing interpersonal skills to resist
academic anxieties, children and young peer pressure, enhance goal setting and decision making, manage
F adults throughout Collier County are emotions and communicate effectively.
facing unprecedented pressure that can have CATCH My Breath: This evidence-based youth vaping
a serious and lasting impact on their mental prevention program features four-lessons focused on empowering
th
health and well-being. Suicide remains the children in 5th through 12 grade to live vape-free through
second leading cause of death in the nation knowledge and behavior.
for young people, and more youth are seeking support for anxiety, Understanding the important role parents and caregivers play
depression and substance use issues each year. in a child’s life, DLC provides comprehensive resources that
At David Lawrence Centers for Behavioral Health, we work encompass substance use education and problem identification.
tirelessly to ensure young people and their families have access to Free parenting courses are also offered to families, including:
the lifesaving and life-changing care they need. We also believe Parenting Today: This innovative curriculum focuses on how
we can build a stronger foundation for positive well-being that to communicate with your children, guiding safer choices, fostering
lasts a lifetime through outreach, prevention and education. better cooperation and disciplining effectively. The program
DLC’s prevention and education programs equip youth with consists of two, 6 hour classes focused on parenting children
the skills needed to effectively navigate life’s challenges, build between the ages of 5 and 12.
resiliency and develop healthy coping mechanisms. Parenting Teens: This six session series aims to support
“Early education and prevention are critical to developing parents who need help with strong-willed or out-of-control teens.
healthy habits and strong minds,” said Jasmine Pagano, the The program features sessions on preventing and intervening
supervisor of prevention services at DLC. “If we’re able to provide in negative choices, addressing and changing problematic
children and young adults with valuable tools to have in their or destructive behavior, drug use, violence and sexuality, and
back pocket to mitigate any negative health outcomes, that will rebuilding family relationships.
make a tremendous difference for their entire lives.” “Our team is dedicated to building a stronger, more resilient
Nearly 9,000 school aged children received prevention and community,” said Pagano. “We’re here to share information so
education services through DLC in fiscal 2024. DLC offers a children, teens and families can make better health decisions for
variety of programs geared toward children and young adults, themselves and support healthy decisions among their friends,
such as: families and community members as a whole.”
Second Step: With classes available for pre-kindergarten At DLC, we strongly believe that prevention and education
th
through 5 grade, this program assists educators in their efforts to programs can help bridge the gap between our services and the
build self-esteem, self-control and respect for the rights of others. community to create a healthier Collier County. These programs
This program includes education on social and emotional skills, not only educate community members on how to address
problem solving, self regulation, bullying and consequences. behavioral health concerns, but provide hope for countless children,
Too Good for Drugs and Too Good for Violence: teens and families throughout the region.
These evidence based programs, available to students in To learn more about the work DLC is doing to provide lifesaving
th
kindergarten-12 grade, discuss the negative consequences of and life-changing behavioral health care to those in need,
drug use and the benefits of a nonviolent, drug-free life. visit DLCenters.org
Life in Naples | May, June, July 2025 75