Southampton to Host Second Opioid Vigil
Pictured Above: Attendees at Southampton Town’s vigil last May at Good Ground Park for lives lost to opioids.
The Town of Southampton Opioid Addiction and Recovery Committee will sponsor a second annual Candlelight Vigil in Hampton Bays May 11 to remember those lost in the opioid epidemic that still plagues the town.
Loved ones are invited to attend on Saturday, May 11, 2019 from 7 to 9 p.m. at Good Ground Park, 9A Squiretown Road in Hampton Bays.
“While the number of deaths have declined since we first started the Opioid Task Force in 2017, the number of Narcan saves are up, which indicates we still have a problem,” said Southampton Town Supervisor Jay Schneiderman.
“We have had only one death so far this year, but that’s still one death too many,” he added. “Gather with us and light a candle to remember those lost.”
The vigil will give those who want to say something the opportunity to speak about their loved ones. Last year, many did so for the first time. If you would like to be added to the speaker’s list, email your request to Director of Communications Connie Conway at cconway@southamptontownny.gov
The town’s Opioid Addiction and Recovery Committee will also sponsor a parent roundtable on the warning signs and what parents can do to prevent the misuse of opioids, alcohol and vaping among local youth.
The roundtable will be held on Tuesday, May 14 from 6 to 7:30 p.m. at the Kimisis Tis Theotokou Greek Orthodox Church at 111 St. Andrews Road in Southampton.
Parents will learn effective parenting strategies and signs of use from the experts. Kym Laube from HUGS will speak to parents about what every parent should know, including guidance from proven strategies based on local data.
A Southampton Town Police Department representative will offer parents tips about recognizing indicators of substance use — what to look for, where to look for it and what is currently happening in our community. There will also be a demonstration of the anti-opioid overdose drug Narcan. Parents will take home resource kits to share with their school community to help safeguard youth from addiction.
“This is a great opportunity for parents of students of all age levels from all of our schools to come together to learn more about preventing youth substance abuse,” said Southampton Youth Bureau Director Nancy Lynott, co-chair of the Southampton Town Opioid Addiction and Recovery Committee. “We have had public forums before for the general public, for the medical community and for young people, but this is the first forum designed just for parents. We hope this gives them the tools they need to keep children and the youth in our community safe from dangerous substance use behaviors.”
Dinner will be included in the forum, and RSVP is required by emailing cconway@southamptontownny.gov.
