From the desk of Delia DeRiggi-Whitton: Fighting the opioid crisis in every possible way

The Island Now

While the fight against opioids continues to be an uphill battle, strides continue to be made to reverse deaths caused by overdoses.

I have sponsored many opioid education and Narcan training sessions over the past several years.

And, the U.S. Surgeon General is now recommending that as many people as possible are training in the use of Narcan and have the opioid overdose reversal medication with them just in case they need to use it to potentially save a life.

I am very proud that the Nassau County Legislature voted unanimously to amend and dramatically expand the existing Social Host Law.

Now, not only is allowing the consumption of alcoholic beverages by persons under the age of 21 in ones home a criminal offense but so is allowing minors under the age of 18 to use opioids or other controlled substances, including marijuana and cocaine, for example.

Some people have opioid pain medications in their medicine cabinets that they don’t realize are still there. It is very important for everyone to be aware of and responsible for the medications they have in their homes and to use this as a chance to “shed the meds.”

Gladly, the amendment does not alter the Good Samaritan Law that protects people who are with someone overdosing from facing criminal charges. So people who think their friend or family member is overdosing should not hesitate in calling EMS.

As ranking member of the Nassau County Public Safety committee, I am very serious about my role in working with law enforcement and public health professionals to keep our residents safe.

The Social Host Law is a small move forward, but it is one more piece in the fight against opioids.

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