With ODs Spiking, Addiction Experts Convene To Keep Kids Safe

WESTHAMPTON BEACH, NY — With a drastic uptick in overdoses during the pandemic, addiction prevention advocates are working tirelessly to keep kids and the community safe.

To that end, on Tuesday, June 7, from 7 p.m. to 9 p.m., the Westhampton Beach School District will present a parent information session and Narcan training in the high school auditorium, located at 49 Lilac Road.

"COVID-19 has brought many challenges, impacting mental health and substance misuse in youth," organizer said. In 2021 more than 107,000 were lost to overdose; the highest number recorded to date, they added.

"Sadly, some of those were from the East End," organizers said.

The event will include a discussion on prevention from Kym Laube, executive director of HUGS, Inc.; a look through the lens of the Suffolk County Sheriff's Department, including Narcan training, with Deputy Sergeant William Weick; and a talk with School Resource Officer Mark Yakaboski of the Westhampton Village Police Department.

The focus, organizers said, will be on what kids are doing and how to keep them safe.

"Come join us as expert speakers share insights, knowledge, and life-saving tools to help ensure those numbers do not continue to rise," a release said. "This is a community problem and we all play a part in the solution — even if it's 'not your kid,' chances are you know someone this impacts."