Heroin War: Michael's Hope Founders Certified in Narcan Training, Offer New Slate of Sessions

NORTH FORK, NY - Michael's Hope, a not for profit organization aimed at raising awareness about the heroin crisis stealing countless lives, just added another weapon to its arsenal against addiction.

Both Michael's Hope founder Paul Maffetone and Kristina Amato, co-founder, vice president and director, announced recently that they have completed the steps to become certified Narcan trainers.

They agree that being able to officially train at the Narcan sessions Michael's Hope presents is just another way to fight back against the horrors of heroin, especially as the crisis escalates in Suffolk County, recently named first statewide in heroin overdoses.

The time to act is now, the pair told Patch.

"This epidemic is at its highest peak. We don't have time to waste," Amato said. "We need to get into schools . . . so kids can be properly educated about the truth. That's the biggest thing — people are in denial of how serious this is. It's in our own stomping grounds and the only way we can prevent any more losses of loved ones is spreading the awareness and using our voices to take a stand. Together we rise, the more education, community events and Narcan trainings that we have, the more we have a chance to save a life."

Maffetone, who created Michael's Hope after losing his brother four years ago at 29 in their family's Laurel home to an overdose, said they were both trained in the use of Narcan/nalaxone through Community Action for Social Justice.

The group advocates reducing harm while someone is engaging in risky behavior, he said.

Sterile supplies are provided to reduce the risk of blood-borne diseases such as HIV and hepatitis C, Maffetone said.

"When the participant is ready we link to detox, rehab and any other resources that will assist in their journey to recovery. I am so honored to be able to personally train people in the use of Narcan now. Kristina and I were super excited to be able to do this. It makes our organization truly one that is impacting from all angles now."

Amato agreed that the training helps to cover all bases, including to be able to do a Michael's Hope presentation, then being able to give the Narcan education themselves.

"It's bringing our organization to a whole new level, making it a lot more personable as well," she said. "To be given this opportunity to officially train these individuals in Narcan is a blessing. Eight months ago, never did I think this would be a possibility in my life."

The goal, Amato said, is to not only spread hope, but the tools to save a life. Should they ever have to administer Narcan, now those they've counseled at training sessions will be prepared on how to do so properly . "Narcan use is so important. It gives individuals a second chance in life — the chance to find the path they're meant to be on."

Meanwhile, Michael's Hope is continuing with Narcan trainings, including a session Tuesday night in Yaphank.

"Last night's event was very powerful," Maffetone said.

The session was filled with young people, he said. "The response we got after was great. Kids were coming up to us asking us to come into their school and talk to their peers. Fifteen-year-olds were telling us how they have classmates that are abusing prescription pills and using heroin. That should be an eye opener if there hasn't been enough reason to start taking actions. This is serious. We need to get into more schools and start being proactive."

Upcoming Michael's Hope presentations and training sessions include:

Friday, May 13: Floyd Memorial Library in Greenport: 5:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m.

Saturday, May 21: Location TBD, 9:30 a.m.

Tuesday, June 14: 6 p.m. to 8 p..m.: Riverhead Free Library

Thursday, June 30: 6 p.m. to 8 p.m., Manorville, location TBD.