Teens Invited To Shed Light On Insidious Opioid Crisis

SOUTHAMPTON, NY — Southampton Town's Opioid Task Force Prevention Committee is continuing its quest to stem the escalating tide of addiction that is claiming the lives of a generation.

To that end, the group will host a "Youth Work Session" on Friday, March 23 from 5:30 p.m. to 8 p.m. at the Greek Orthodox Church meeting hall, 111 St. Andrews Road in Southampton.

The event is the second to spotlight teens; the goal is to have kids who attended the first meeting bring a friend and help develop ideas for putting the breaks on the insidious crisis.

"We've heard some of your ideas — and need input on how to make them work," a flyer for the event said.

The task force is seeking help from high school-aged young people about "how to effectively prevent substance misuse and substance use disorder in our community," organizers of the event said.

Kids who join the discussion can earn community service credits, organizers said; dinner and snacks are included.

Those who want to attend but don't have a ride should call 631-702-2425.

For additional information call Nancy Lynott at 631-702-2417 or email nlynott@southamptontownny.gov. RSVP by March 22 by calling 631-702-2425.

"This is a national crisis that has hit home," Southampton Town Supervisor Jay Schneiderman, co-chairman of the opioid addiction task force, said. "Our community is coming together in an effort to prevent further tragedies."

Longtime journalist and news anchor Drew Scott co-chairs the task force. "I lost my beautiful granddaughter to opioid addiction," Scott said. "We have lost so many in the community to these deadly drugs. We need to bring the experts together to help us find concrete solutions to this crisis."

Scott retired recently and shared the news that he will dedicate his time to raising awareness about the deadly opioid epidemic that claimed the life of his beautiful granddaughter Hallie Ulrich, 22, who was found dead on an East Hampton road in September after a battle with heroin addiction.

Scott has pledged to tell Hallie's story and spotlight how important it is not to allow the stigma surrounding heroin and opioid addiction cloud the dire need for answers.

"I'll be carrying Hallie's picture and trying to put a personal 'face' on this growing epidemic," Scott said.

"There is a stigma to opiate deaths," he added. "Many families are embarrassed and hide the fact that their kid is addicted or, God forbid, died. I want to change that. This is a disease, and when youngsters are afflicted with cancer or other physical problems, people want to help, but seem to shy away many times when the problem turns out to be addiction."

Scott opened his heart and shared his memories of Hallie with Patch, remembering the beautiful young woman who touched countless lives with her bright smile and caring spirit.

Schneiderman said he is happy that Scott will be joining the task force.

"Drew Scott's whole life has been rocked by this recent event," Schneiderman said. "And yet, he's willing to step up and co-chair this task force. Drew has an important role to play within the community. He's a trusted voice and well known, and he's been personally affected — and really wants to make a difference."

Of his granddaughter, Scott added, "We are sick over how she was left on the side of a road. Hallie was not a 'junkie,' but a beautiful, talented soul who let a bad relationship lead her astray."

The goal of the opioid addiction task force is to create a concrete action plan to present to the Southampton Town board by June 1.

"We still have a great deal of work ahead but we are making progress. Thanks to each of you for giving your time and effort to help save lives," Scott said.

Photo courtesy of Drew Scott.