Islip Town to Hold Heroin, Gang Awareness Seminar

In hopes of educating the public more about heroin and gang violence, The Town of Islip will host an event called "Bridging the Gap" next week to go over the two issues that have become growing problems across Long Island.

A number of guest speakers will be in attendance at the symposium, which is free and will be held at Connetquot High School in Bohemia, June 9 from 7 to 8: 30 pm.

The speakers will include Victor and Doreen Ciappa, whose daughter, Natalie, died from heroin use; a Suffolk County Police Officer, who will offer tips on how to recognize the signs that a child is in a gang; a Drug Enforcement Administration Agent, who will discuss what every parent and teacher should know about heroin; and an addiction specialist, who will provide information on rehabilitation, addiction and treatment.

"Our communities have been hit with the troubling reality that heroin and gangs are taking over our neighborhoods, and we are all working hard to do something about it," said Councilwoman Trish Bergin Weichbrodt in a statement. "I am hopeful that parents and teachers will join us in learning how to identify a child who is traveling down a dangerous path."

"Heroin use and gang violence on Long Island have been increasing at an alarming rate," Islip Town Supervisor Phil Nolan said. "I strongly encourage residents to attend this important seminar with the hopes that we can better equip ourselves to tackle these issues and save the lives of our children."