Gillen Holds Information Session On Fentanyl And Other Drugs In Nassau

HEMPSTEAD, NY — U.S. Congresswoman Laura Gillen was in Hempstead Thursday, holding an information session with DEA officials about the danger posed by fentanyl and other drugs to Nassau County communities.

Gillen’s office said the threat posed by these drugs is growing, and showed presentations from the DEA’s Northeast Region Associate Chief of Operations Frank Tarentino on how to limit their impact, specifically on school-aged kids.

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“The danger we face from the fentanyl, carfentanyl, xylazine and other illicit drugs trafficked into our communities cannot be overstated. Their capacity to kill is terrifying,” Gillen said. “After meeting with the frontline warriors at the DEA who are combating this scourge, I saw the critical need to make sure our neighbors, schools and students are informed about this threat. I’m grateful to DEA Associate Chief of Operations Tarentino, activist Larry Lamendola and our school superintendents for their partnership in fighting to protect our youth and neighbors.”

Lamendola serves as co-chair of the Levittown Community Action Coalition, and has worked as an advocate for addiction treatment following the tragic death of his daughter in 2019. These days, Lamendola is focusing much of his efforts on raising awareness of fentanyl poisoning.

For her part, Gillen said she has been trying to stop drug trafficking since coming to congress, working to support law enforcement and supporting bills like the HALT Fentanyl Act. On the local front, Gillen said school leaders should try to connect their students with positive outlets, including art and computer science programs.

The school leaders present, Gillen’s office said, were from Baldwin, Chaminade, East Meadow, East Rockaway, Evergreen Charter, Hempstead, Island Park, Lawrence, Lynbrook, Malverne, Oceanside, Rockville Centre, Roosevelt, Uniondale and Valley Stream schools.