Class of 2026 Celebrate Sober Campaign
Riverhead CAP is once again launching its Class of 2026 Celebrate Sober Campaign. With graduation season and summer here, CAP continues the annual public awareness campaign to encourage students to celebrate safely and avoid the risks of underage drinking and drug use. Campaign partners include Peconic Bay Medical Center (PBMC) Northwell Health, Riverhead Police Department, and local businesses.
Class of 2026 Pre-Prom Meetings
Riverhead High School seniors must attend a pre-prom meeting with a parent or guardian in order to buy a ticket. Dr. Megan Slowey, Emergency Medicine Physician at PBMC Northwell Health, returns to this event annually to talk with students and their parents. She addresses the health implications of underage drinking, marijuana use, and the overall long-term effects of substance use. During the May 21st and May 27th meetings, Dr. Slowey also shared what to look for and how to respond to a person experiencing a medical event such as alcohol poisoning or drug overdose.
“Supporting Riverhead CAP and its important work to help young people make safe, healthy choices during prom season and beyond is something we take seriously at Peconic Bay Medical Center,” said Amy Loeb, EdD, MBA, RN, President of PBMC. “Celebration should never come at the cost of safety. The pre-prom meetings and Celebrate Sober campaign send this powerful message to students and families. As a hospital deeply rooted in this community, we are committed to partnering with organizations like Riverhead CAP to promote prevention, education and the well-being of our youth.”
Legal Consequences
Sgt. James Welsh and Sgt. Guiseppe Rosini of the Riverhead Police Department addressed the serious legal consequences of underage drinking, driving under the influence of alcohol and marijuana, and how the choices young people make can be detrimental to themselves and others.
The officers emphasized that parents and the community play a vital role in preventing underage drinking and drug use. Providing alcohol and/or drugs to minors or allowing underage drinking or drug use not only violates the trust of other parents and the community, but it is also a violation of the law. Adults over the age of eighteen who provide alcohol or knowingly allow underage drinking and/or drug use in their home can be charged with a misdemeanor under the Suffolk County Social Host Law. Penalties can include fines up to $1000 and/or one year in jail. Sgt. Rosini also reminded parents that with Riverhead CAP’s support, Riverhead Police Department will be conducting party patrols to prevent and reduce social host violations.
According to a 2026 Newsday article, DWI arrests for underage drinkers is on the rise on Long Island. In 2025, 78 motorists, ages 16-20, were arrested for driving under the influence of drugs or alcohol in Suffolk County. This is a 110% increase from 2023 when 37 underage drivers were arrested for DWI. CAP Prevention Supervisor, Cynthia Redmond said, “While there is heightened awareness of the danger associated with driving under the influence of drugs and alcohol, there are still far too many people who risk their lives and the lives of others with this reckless behavior.”
Businesses support the class of 2026
Local businesses are once again joining CAP’s efforts. They’ll place 2-inch stickers on deli sandwiches, take-out bags, coffee cups, and catering orders. This year’s sticker says, “Congratulations Class of 2026. Live Your Best Life: Celebrate Sober.” CAP provides the stickers for free.
Ms. Redmond added, “The Celebrate Sober campaign serves a reminder that while society continues to normalize youth substance use as a rite of passage, the Riverhead community cares about the safety and well-being of its young people and encourages them to make healthy and informed choices.”
Businesses interested in participating in the campaign can contact Cynthia Redmond at Cynthia.Redmond@RiverheadCAP.org to order free stickers.
For additional resources, visit our Resource page here.
