CASA Fights Heroin

Yes, heroin and opioids are available on Long Island and news articles continue to document their presence—even in the Manhasset community. Many families know first-hand the painful consequences of when their loved ones become addicted to heroin or opioids. In 2013, 159 people died from heroin and opioid overdose in Nassau County (Nassau County Medical Examiner’s Office).
In response to this growing heroin epidemic, Manhasset CASA and the Manhasset Public Library will host Saving the Life Of A Loved One: A NARCAN/Opioid Education & Training Program on March 18 at 7 p.m. at the Manhasset Public Library. The program is sponsored by Nassau County Executive Ed Mangano and Nassau County Legislator Richard Nicolello. Seating is limited and reservations are required by calling Eden Laikin at 516-571-6105 or emailing Eden at elaikin@nassaucountyny.gov.
Although most people take prescription medications responsibly, an estimated 52 million people (20 percent of those aged 12 and older) have used prescription drugs for non-medical reasons at least once in their lifetime (National Institute on Drug Abuse, November 2014). In addition, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) show that while drug deaths related to prescription opioids have remained stable since 2012, the mortality rate associated with heroin has increased for the third year in a row – a 39 percent increase from 2012. The problem often begins with a prescription, or taking unprescribed medications from a home medicine cabinet. [Office of National Drug Control Policy (ONDCP) & Centers for Disease Control (CDC) 1/12/15].
Since 2010, Manhasset CASA’s Lock Your Meds campaign has provided parents and residents with the knowledge and tools necessary to prevent youth access to prescription drugs in the home. Nearly 68 percent of people who begin using prescription drugs non-medically for the first time obtain those drugs from a family member or friend (ONDCP and CDC 1/12/15). Residents are encouraged to Lock Your Meds throughout the year to deter teen access to these drugs.
Manhasset CASA continues to work with its community sectors and partners including the Town of North Hempstead, Nassau County Police, and North Shore LIJ to prevent prescription drug abuse. Informing the public of opportunities to discard unwanted prescription drugs at pharmaceutical take back events. Residents can always bring their unwanted medications 24/7 to the Nassau County Police Community Center at 100 Community Drive, Manhasset. The disposal bin is located in the lobby.
For information about CASA’s mission to reduce youth substance abuse, go to manhassetcasa.org.