COMSEWOGUE, NY – On Friday, May 4th, Suffolk County Legislator Sarah Anker joined Legislator Kara Hahn, Brookhaven Councilwoman Valerie Cartwright, opioid awareness advocates, school staff, and students for a pledge walk around the Comsewogue High School track to raise awareness of the opioid epidemic on Long Island. The walk raised $3,000 for Outreach House, an organization that fights against substance abuse and assists in recovery. The walk was in honor of former student Garrett Venza.
“Long Island is in the midst of an opioid epidemic that has affected every community in Suffolk County,” said Legislator Sarah Anker. “Every day, drugs like heroin and fentanyl claim another victim. Each and every one of us has the ability to help end this crisis and provide support for those suffering from addiction.”
In addition to the funds raised, the Comsewogue Opioid Project gave out information regarding the opioid epidemic. The pamphlets distributed contained statistics and facts about drugs, signs of substance abuse, and steps parents can take to protect their children.
Outreach House is a New York-based organization that provides long-term treatment for substance abuse issues. For more information, please visit its website at https://opiny.org/.
(Pictured L – R: Parent Sal Pitti, Student Olivia Grecco, Comsewogue High School Social Worker Joe Pifko, Student Kiki Venza, Parent John Venza, Suffolk County Legislator Sarah Anker, Town of Brookhaven Councilwoman Valerie Cartwright, Suffolk County Legislator Kara Hahn, Comsewogue High School Principal Joe Coniglione, 10th grade Comsewogue High School Teacher Maura Montgomery)