East Meadow, NY - May 16, 2016 - Nassau County Executive Edward P. Mangano, Presiding Officer Norma Gonsalves and County Legislator Dennis Dunne, in partnership with the East Meadow Fire Department, will host a free overdose prevention workshop – on Thursday, May 19th from 7pm - 9pm at the East Meadow Firehouse, located at 147 East Meadow Avenue.
Attendees age 18 and older will learn how and when to administer Naloxone - the lifesaving antidote that can reverse the fatal effects of an Opiate overdose - and learn the warning signs of drug addiction, treatment options, personal stories of recovery and much more.
“This free Overdose Prevention Seminar will help save lives and keep families whole,” said County Executive Mangano. “Together with the Heroin Prevention Task Force, we are combatting the heroin and pain pill epidemic through education, awareness, enforcement, and treatment initiatives.”
Dr. Russell Surasky of Great Neck, board certified in addiction medicine, will speak about Nassau’s newest, and effective, medication-supported treatment program to prevent relapse in opiate-addicted people.
The program combines counseling, with a once a month extended-release injection of a long-used medication – Naltrexone. Dr. Surasky will also speak about a unique, non-opiate protocol he developed to detox opiate-dependent people so they can begin vivitrol treatment. For more information, visit here.
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 32 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 18.
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. And, 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.
Seating is limited. To attend, residents MUST pre-register by email. For more information, please visit here.