SAFE Glen Cove Coalition: Orphans of the Opioid Epidemic

The Washington Post recently published an article that discussed the opioid epidemic's affect on children. The article features police officer Ray Lynn who grew up around these substances, watched loved ones die because of them, and is now taking action to alter the lives who are surrounded by drug abuse.

Lynn began to realize that in the northeastern side of Maryland where he resides, half of students in the local school’s class had lost a parent within one month. Over 100 children have become orphaned due to the opioid crisis just in this one county. What is more concerning is the unknown number of children worldwide who have become orphaned from the opiod epidemic.

Children aren’t just grieving their parents, they are also suffering from trauma, as many have witnessed loved ones pass or be in drug-related situations. Lynn is focused on continuing his belief that trauma-informed care or counseling for community pain is what is needed to move towards aiding against the overdose epidemic. He has managed to locate many children who have been affected by their parent’s drug use and has connected them with mental health professionals to help them address their trauma. Lynn secured a grant to facilitate this process.

SAFE is the only alcohol and substance abuse prevention, intervention and education agency in the City of Glen Cove. Its Coalition is conducting an opioid prevention awareness campaign entitled, "Keeping Glen Cove SAFE," in order to educate and update the community regarding opioid use and its consequences. To learn more about the SAFE Glen Cove Coalition please follow us on www.facebook.com/safeglencove or visit SAFE’s website to learn more about the Opioid Epidemic at www.safeglencove.org