Nassau County, NY - February 12th, 2016 - Nassau County Executive Edward P. Mangano and Nassau District Attorney Madeline Singas, in partnership with Nassau and Suffolk County Police, EMS and Health officials, will host a Heroin Educational Summit on Thursday, February 18th from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the Coral House in Baldwin to discuss possible solutions to the heroin epidemic on Long Island.

Hundreds of students, school officials and community leaders from throughout the region are expected to attend the summit and free luncheon - which is open to the public and sponsored by 1010 WINS radio and the Nassau County Police Benevolent Association. In Nassau County, heroin deaths rose from 38 in 2012, to 44 in 2013 and 53 in 2014.

“Nassau County’s first-ever Heroin Educational Summit will bring together government, school and community leaders to address drug addiction and our four-pronged approach to battle the epidemic: awareness, education, enforcement and treatment,” said County Executive Mangano.

“Together, we will raise awareness among residents, assist those combatting addiction and save lives by offering a shot at life recovery programs.”

Summit attendees will learn about Nassau County’s efforts to combat the deadly heroin crisis, and what friends or family of those addicted to heroin or prescription painkillers can do to help prevent, respond to, find treatment for and save their loved one’s life.

Topics include: free Narcan training; accessing counseling and treatment – including the medication Vivitrol which cuts user’s cravings for opiates and blocks its euphoric effects; untreated issues at the core of drug addiction; and advocacy efforts to change laws concerning treatment for substance use disorder. Attendees will also hear directly from individuals impacted by addiction and have an opportunity to join the “Stop the Stigma” Awareness Campaign.

District Attorney Singas stated, “Heroin abuse affects people of all ages, backgrounds and communities. My office is working hard to hold heroin dealers accountable, and we are also working with law enforcement, school and health partners in a multi-pronged, preventative approach involving education and treatment. Together we are fighting back and together we will overcome this epidemic.”

At the conclusion of the summit, a candlelight vigil will be held in remembrance of those lost to the disease of addiction. To attend the free Heroin Educational Summit, please RSVP at www.heroinsummit.net or call (631) 741-5616 for more information.