Assemblymen Lupinacci, Raia, Join Commissioner Sini in 'The Ugly Truth' at Elwood Middle School

Assemblyman Chad A. Lupinacci and Assemblyman Andrew P. Raia recently joined the Suffolk County Police Department and Commissioner Tim Sini at “The Ugly Truth,” a program geared at educating youth on the dangers of heroin and opioid abuse. The event, which was held by the Elwood Central School District in conjunction with the Elwood Parent-Teachers Association, was attended by over 300 families, teachers and administrators from the surrounding community.

The large turnout was a testament to the effect that heroin and opioid use is having on communities throughout Suffolk County. In 2016, Suffolk County led the state in overdose-related deaths at approximately 300. In addition, the lifesaving anti-overdose drug Naloxone was administered over 700 times in the same year. Suffolk County alone amassed over 1,000 heroin and opioid overdoses, according to police.

During the seminar, representatives from the Suffolk County Police Community Outreach Bureau explained how the drug is used, and slang terms surrounding the use of heroin. They also dispelled rumors about the use of opioid pills like Oxycontin and Roxycodone. Studies show that opioid pill use is often the “gateway” by which individuals are introduced to heroin. The Suffolk County Police Department recommended the immediate disposal of unneeded or unused opioid pills, often prescribed following a dental operation or significant injury.

In a slideshow presentation, the Suffolk County Police Department also articulated the many warning signs and symptoms that may be displayed by an addict, the residual effects of prolonged use and where to get help for a loved one in need. By calling the Suffolk County Substance Abuse Hotline at (631) 979-1700, individuals may receive cost-free consulting about drug and alcohol abuse.

Assemblyman Chad A. Lupinacci said: “It is important to host seminars like these to begin a lifelong discussion about drug use and abuse. In our communities, we are losing too many young lives to heroin and opioids. It stops in Elwood today. With each person attending today’s meeting as an ambassador against drug abuse, we can stop this epidemic in its tracks. I applaud the Elwood community for their embrace of The Ugly Truth program, and look forward to continued work with the Suffolk County Police Department and my colleagues at all levels of government to push back against heroin.”

Assemblyman Andrew P. Raia said: “I want to thank the Suffolk County Police Department for hosting this event and helping spread awareness about the dangers of heroin and opioid abuse,” said Raia. “No other county in the state knows the impact this disease has on a community more than Suffolk County, so it is an issue that hits very close to home. Those who are fighting the battle against addiction must know they are not alone, and I will continue to be an advocate for their needs in Albany.”

Suffolk County Police Commissioner Tim Sini said: “Kudos to the Elwood community for a remarkable turnout at last evening’s The Ugly Truth forum. I want to thank Superintendent Bossert, Assemblymen Lupinacci and Raia, Councilwoman Tracey Edwards, and everyone else who helped put together such a successful event. The Suffolk County Police Department stands in solidarity with all residents in our fight against the opioid epidemic, and will do what it takes to raise awareness and prevent substance abuse in our communities.”

Elwood Central School District Superintendent, Dr. Ken Bossert said: “I am very pleased to report that the event was attended by over 300 parents, students, faculty and staff members, as well as district administration. Additionally, over 100 individuals watched the presentation via live-streaming on the district website. As I stated last night, as educators and parents we have the responsibility of helping children to make healthy choices. While great children will sometimes make bad decisions, it is our collective job to help them learn from them and prevent the consequences from becoming tragic. Thank you for once again demonstrating that Elwood is a community that cares deeply about our students and the educational partnership.”

Town of Huntington Councilwoman Tracey Edwards said: “The turnout of the Elwood school district was overwhelming (#proud-alum). Elwood understands the importance of these sessions and that heroin can strike any community.”

###