Suffolk County Executive Bellone and Rockefeller Institute of Government Announce Substance Use and Opioid Forum on Long Island
Suffolk County, NY - January 7, 2019 - Suffolk County Executive Steve Bellone and the Rockefeller Institute of Government today announced “Stories from Suffolk” – a policy conversation among leading experts in the field on substance use and opioids to assess the next steps that should be taken to combat this epidemic. The first of its kind forum will be held on February 6, 2019 from 9:00 AM – 1:00 PM at Kimisis Tis Theotokou Church in Southampton.
“County governments are the laboratories for developing smart public policy to combat the opioid crisis in New York,” said Suffolk County Executive Bellone. “This forum will bring together leading experts in the field to share their experiences and discuss next steps in addressing this epidemic.”
The event will convene leading experts across New York State including medical providers, academic scholars, community advocates, faith leaders, state officials, local law enforcement and criminal justice advocates. The program will consist of two separate panels: Prevention methods and honing in on treatment and recovery options. With a focus on large-scale suburban counties, the event is modeled off the Stories from Sullivan series, which shines a light into how rural upstate New York communities are addressing the opioid crisis.
The keynote address will be delivered by Suffolk County District Attorney Timothy D. Sini, a national leader on developing innovative strategies and partnerships among law enforcement agencies.
Suffolk County District Attorney Timothy D. Sini said: “This forum will cover a broad range of topics, both about what has been accomplished so far and what the challenges are ahead. We will be discussing everything from prevention and treatment opportunities to new technology and law enforcement strategies being employed to combat the opioid epidemic.”
Dr. Jim Malatras, President of the Rockefeller Institute of Government, said: “In more than a year of studying New York’s opioid epidemic, our researchers have found that to move the dial and tackle this crisis, policymakers must listen to the people on its frontlines. I commend County Executive Bellone for convening this forum to push the conversation forward on Long Island and identify evidence-driven solutions to this growing crisis."
Breakfast and Registration will begin at 9:00 AM. Dr. Jim Malatras, President of the Rockefeller Institute of Government, will provide opening remarks. Some of the participating moderators and panelists also include:
- Dr. Jim Malatras – President, Rockefeller Institute of Government
- Patricia Strach – Director for Policy and Research, Rockefeller Institute of Government
- Hon. Timothy D. Sini – Suffolk County District Attorney
- Dr. Leslie Marino – Columbia University
- Stuart Cameron – Chief of Department, Suffolk County Police Department
- Dr. Jeffrey Reynolds – CEO, Family and Children’s Association
- Arlene Gonzalez-Sanchez – Commissioner, NYS Office of Alcoholism and Substance Abuse Services
- John Venza – Vice President of Residential Services, Outreach
- Anthony Ferrandino – Counselor, Northport-East Northport Community Drug & Alcohol Task Force
The Rockefeller Institute of Government is a public policy think tank that conducts cutting-edge research and analysis to inform lasting solutions to the problems facing New York State and the nation. Through rigorous, objective, and accessible analysis and outreach, the Institute provides citizens and governments facts and tools they need to make informed public decisions.