Michael’s Hope, the nonprofit group founded by five young adults whose lives were changed by heroin addiction, will give a community presentation this evening at the Old Schoolhouse in Greenport beginning at 5:30. The presentation will be followed by a Narcan training session conducted by officials from the Suffolk County Health Department. Everyone who participates in the training will receive a free home Narcan kit.
Michael’s Hope founder Paul Maffetone, inspired by the tragedy of his older brother’s heroin addiction and overdose death, is on a mission to do everything in his power to raise awareness about heroin addiction and help others prevent the tragedy that befell his family. Last year, he and a handful of friends started Michael’s Hope. The organization won federal tax-exempt status last month. Its members are giving presentations across Long Island to speak about the heroin epidemic, in the hopes of raising awareness of the magnitude of the problem and educating parents, family members and other community members about how to recognize drug use and effectively intervene. Michael’s Hope also gives presentations in schools, to talk to kids about drug use, addiction and recovery.
“We want to let them know that they’re not alone, there is support,” Michael’s Hope board member Jason Stierle said yesterday during a presentation to a Rotary Club in Riverhead.
Stierle, a heroin addict in recovery, was saved by Narcan, a drug that can reverse heroin (and other opioid) overdoes.
“I wouldn’t be here today if it weren’t for Narcan,” said Stierle, a 30-year-old barber who spends nearly all of his spare time speaking to school children and community groups.
Stierle and others share their stories of how casual drug use began their descent into addiction during a gripping hour-long presentation.
The presentation is followed by a training conducted by county health officials on the use of the reversal drug Narcan. They then issue certifications and home Narcan kits to all who attend.
Health officials will describe in detail how to recognize an opiate overdose and what to do — and what not to do — if you are with or find someone who has overdosed on opiates.
They will then give step-by-step instructions on how to administer the life-saving medication.
Narcan has been in use by EMTs and doctors for decades. It is safe to use; no one can overdose on Narcan and if it’s mistakenly administered to someone who is not actually experiencing an opiate overdose, it won’t hurt them.
The rescue kits distributed contain two doses that are administered through a nasal atomizer; there are no needles involved.
Tonight’s presentation and training, hosted by the Village of Greenport, are free and open to the public.
