Nassau County Executive Edward P. Mangano and Massapequa Park-based Drug Free Long Island (DFLI) will co-host a free Overdose Prevention Seminar next week - along with State Senator Michael Venditto and County Legislator James Kennedy - at Our Lady of Lourdes, located at 855 Carmans Road in Massapequa Park, on Wednesday, June 15th from 7pm to 9pm.
“This free Overdose Prevention Seminar will help save lives and keep families whole,” said County Executive Mangano. “While a major focus of ours continues to be on drug abuse prevention, we need to give those already addicted, a chance at recovery.”
Attendees will learn when and how to reverse the effects of a potentially fatal Heroin or pain pill overdose with an antidote called Naloxone; they will also hear about a new and effective treatment program designed to prevent relapse. The program - Nassau’s newest medication-supported treatment program - combines counseling with a once a month extended-release injection of a medication called Naltrexone for about 12-18 months. For more information on that program, visit www.nassaucountyny.gov/shotatlife.
At least one Long Islander dies every day from an Opiate overdose. Naloxone has been used by paramedics and emergency room doctors for decades, to save lives. A 2006 State law allows citizens to administer Naloxone in an attempt to save a life, without fear of liability. Nassau County has provided overdose prevention training for nearly 6,500 people since 2012 and at least 35 trainees have used that knowledge - and the Naloxone they were provided - to revive someone overdosing on heroin or painkillers. Naloxone is administered through a nasal spray, and provided at no charge to trainees over the age of 18, thanks to the NYS Department of Health.
Free Continuing Education Units for Certified Alcoholism and Substance Abuse Counselor attendees will be offered for the two hour workshop, provided by the Nassau County Department of Human Services. Nassau OHS, along with the Mental Health Association of Nassau County, are an approved provider of continuing education for licensed social workers, recognized by the New York State Education Department's State Board for Social Work.
DFLI’s mission is to advance through public awareness, education, empowerment and advocacy the transformation of Long Island into DRUG FREE environments for the general safety, health and welfare of our children and all the members of our communities. The volunteer members join with like-minded coalitions and community based organizations to “rid Long Island of Heroin, other drugs and drug dealers. For more information, please contact Drug Free Long Island at (516) 203-7486.
Residents may pre-register online at www.nassaucountyny.gov/overdosetraining or visit www.nassaucountyny.gov/overdose.