Mineola, NY –Nassau County Executive Laura Curran today signed two bills that will fight substance abuse—establishing a hotline accessible around the clock and a smartphone application for referrals. County Executive Curran was joined by Legislator Joshua Lafazan who sponsored the legislation. The hotline bill is named “Timothy’s Law” in memory of Timothy Kroll, who lost his battle with drug abuse in August 2009.
On August 6, 2018, the Nassau County Legislature voted unanimously to approve Legislator Lafazan’s bills. The hotline and smartphone app are intended to provide on-demand assistance and information to residents in the event of an emergency or other time of need. The 24-hour substance abuse hotline will provide access to certified substance abuse counselors and trainees who possess knowledge, training and experience in substance abuse counseling referrals.
“Opioid addiction is a serious health crisis facing our society. Since my first day in office we have worked hard to provide services and education to those families and individuals fighting the terrible disease of addiction,” said County Executive Curran. “I applaud Legislator Lafazan for taking the lead on these bills and for his commitment to treatment options for Nassau County residents.”
The smartphone application for substance abuse assistance information and resources will provide prevention, treatment, and recovery resources, a NARCAN training calendar, and will include support hotline telephone numbers. The app will be designed for Android and Apple operating systems. These resources will support ongoing efforts by County Executive Curran’s Administration and the Nassau County Police Department, to fight the opioid epidemic by encouraging prevention, awareness and treatment options.