New York State Senator, Jose Peralta presented a New York State Senate Proclamation to the Foundation for a Drug-Free World Northeast Chapter and the Fialkoff Foundation for a Drug-Free World NYC Program last night at the Fialkoff Dental Study Club. Dr. Bernard Fialkoff, Queens Periodontist and Dental Implant Specialist, founded the study club in the mid ‘90s and more recently, founded the Foundation for a Drug-Free World Queens Chapter (www.drugfreeworld.org) by running the community service program through his office and educational group. In the past two years, Dr. Fialkoff’s chapter presented more than 200 free drug education events to NYC schools, after-school programs and community centers. In 2006, Meghan Fialkoff, Community Affairs Director at Dr. Fialkoff’s office, founded the Northeast Chapter of Foundation for a Drug-Free World. Together, they have presented more than 400 free drug education events, pledging in more than 30,000 students in the Youth Drug-Free Pledge in the past seven years. Senator Peralta’s presentation acknowledged their work and the significance of professionals taking part in vital programs like these. Also see: Counseling dental patients on smoking cessation Senator Peralta read the proclamation which states, “It is the belief of the legislative body that when organizations of such noble accomplishments are brought to our attention, it is appropriate to publicly proclaim and commend those organizations for the edification and emulation of others. I recognize that in the Foundation for a Drug Free World we have an organization worthy of our highest respect and esteem.” The proclamation continues to add, “The Foundation for a Drug Free World, Northeast Chapter, under the stewardship of its Director, Meghan Fialkoff {…} and the Queens Chapter, under the leadership of its founder Dr. Bernard Fialkoff, and through the hard work of its Lead Presenter David Tidman, and Doctors Mercedes Mota-Martinez and Doron Kalman, has made more than 200 drug awareness presentations in just the last two years. These presentations provide a vital service by giving our young people the tools they need to live drug free and empowering them to make the right choices.”
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 Senator Peralta 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 is there 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 Spanish American Medical Dental Society, led by President Dr. Mercedes Mota Martinez, has supported the foundation’s work, and encouraged their doctor and dentist members to take part in providing free presentations to their communities and schools. Senator Peralta spoke about the important work of the foundation at the society’s Doctors Day Celebration in April which resulted in doctors and dentists signing up to volunteer for the program. Dr. Doron Kalman, President of the Queens County Dental Society, has trained and sent his office staff to deliver drug education and awareness presentations to Queens locations, supporting the foundation’s work through his role as medical professional and president of the society. The study club was founded in the mid ‘90’s and has an audience of 50-100 dentists each month. It focuses on raising dental excellence, standards and camaraderie in the New York boroughs. Dr. Bernard Fialkoff has a periodontal, dental implant and cosmetic laser surgery office for more than 31 years on 56-03 214th Street in Bayside, NY. The office web site and blog, which shows study club photos and bulletins, and other community activities of the office, is www.baysidedentist.com. Dr. Fialkoff also has a web page devoted to the drug education program. __________________________________________________________________Also see: Drug currently used to treat intestinal worms could protect against periodontitisChoosing a safe disinfectant for the dental hygiene operatory ___________________________________________________________________
