Wednesday, September 14, 2016 from 1 p.m. – 3 p.m.
Island Park Public Library - 176 Long Beach Rd., Island Park
Continuing to combat the heroin epidemic and save countless residents’ lives, Nassau County Executive Edward P. Mangano, County Legislator Denise Ford, Hempstead Town Supervisor Anthony Santino and Hempstead Councilman Anthony D’Esposito will host a free Overdose Prevention Seminar on Wednesday, September 14, 2016 from 1 p.m. – 3 p.m. at the Island Park Library, located at 176 Long Beach Road. Residents will be trained to administer Naloxone - the lifesaving antidote to a heroin overdose – and learn the warning signs of drug addiction, new and effective treatment options, personal stories of recovery, and more. The Island Park Library is co-sponsoring the event.
“These free Heroin Overdose Prevention Seminars are just one part of my administration’s four-pronged approach to fight this public health crisis – including education, awareness, enforcement and treatment,” said County Executive Mangano. “These trainings prevent drug-related deaths in our community, save residents’ lives and keep families whole.”
“These Overdose Prevention Seminars can be the difference between life and death,” said Legislator Ford. “I’d like to thank the County Executive for this initiative and I encourage all to attend.”
“Having people educated in the use of Naloxone in order to reverse the effects of a heroin overdose is more than just a lifesaver,” said Hempstead Town Supervisor Anthony J. Santino. “It can be a first step in helping someone who has fallen prey to addiction in reclaiming their life. I thank the County Executive for presenting this program.”
“As a Town Councilman and a former New York City Police Detective, I know first-hand the benefits of Narcan in saving lives,” stated Hempstead Town Councilman Anthony D'Esposito. “Hempstead Town has trained staff and is ready to use Naloxone at its beaches and parks. The more people are trained in its use, the better.”
Approximately 200 Nassau residents died from heroin and prescription painkillers in 2015. Hundreds more were saved from overdoses by those trained to administer Naloxone. 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 already provided Naloxone training for 7,053 people, at 151 trainings, since 2012. Nearly 50 trainees have reported using that knowledge - and the Naloxone kit they were given - to revive someone overdosing on heroin or painkillers, and save their lives. Naloxone is administered through a nasal spray, and is provided at no charge to trainees over the age of 18.
Social Work and OASAS Continuing Education Credits are available for the training, as the Nassau County Office of Mental Health and Chemical Dependency - and the Mental Health Association of Nassau County - is recognized by the New York State Education Department's State Board for Social Work as an approved provider of continuing education for licensed social workers.
All residents are welcome to attend, but seating is limited. To attend the two-hour seminar, provided by the Nassau County Department of Human Services, please RSVP at www.nassaucountyny.gov/overdosetraining. For dates and locations of additional Overdose Prevention Seminars, visit www.nassaucountyny.gov/overdose.