New Initiative Aims To Help Those Affected By Opioid Crisis

SUFFOLK COUNTY, NY - Suffolk County officials announced earlier this week a new job placement program aimed to help residents affected by the opioid crisis.

The opioid crisis has impacted many families on Long Island.

According to a report by The Washington Post in July, in Nassau County 261.8 million prescription pain pills were distributed between 2006-2012 while in Suffolk County, 345 million prescription pain pills were distributed during the same period.

The same report found that in New York, there were 2,217 drug overdose deaths in 2018.

Those affected this crisis often have a negative stigma attached to them and have a tough time getting a second chance. But Suffolk County is looking to change that through this new program.

The program, which is administered through the Suffolk County Department of Labor, Licensing and Consumer Affairs, provides unemployed or under-employed Suffolk County residents affected by the opioid crisis with work opportunities at local area non-profits.

It is aimed to help not only residents in recovery, but their family members as well.

During a recent press conference, Suffolk County Executive Steve Bellone said the initiative, made possible by a $500,000 grant, will provide residents work part-time at a local non-profit agency temporarily until they find a full-time job.

"It's a big help to know that there's a program like this that can help other people that are just like me and just get their life together," a woman in recovery told WCBS 880.

Anyone who is interested in learning more information and eligibility guidelines should call 311.