Murphy Announces Addition of 3 Prominent Community Organizations to Upcoming Addiction Resource Fair & Forum

YORKTOWN, NY - Senator Terrence Murphy is thrilled to announce that three of Westchester County's most influential treatment and counseling community organizations, Drug Crisis in Our Backyard, Yorktown Against Heroin and Alliance for Safe Kids (ASK) have banded together with other community groups to host an important forum on drug addiction.

The forum, presented in conjunction with Senator Murphy and Families in Support of Treatment (F.I.S.T.), will take place April 19th from 6:30-9:00 p.m. at the Crompond Elementary School, located at 2901 Manor Street in Yorktown Heights.
 
Topics will include coping with the stigma of drug abuse, insurance issues, the impact of addiction on families, prevention signs and symptoms, treatment options bullying and self-defense. Speakers who have dealt first-hand with drug addiction will be on hand to talk about their road to recovery.
 
"Substance abuse, especially that of heroin and pain killers is a large part of the drug abuse epidemic we are facing in our local communities," Senator Murphy said. "As co-Chairman of the Senate's Task Force on Heroin and Opioid Addiction, I have led the fight to pass meaningful legislation designed to get dealers off our streets and to get help for those suffering through addiction. But more needs to be done. This forum will be a good resource for individuals and families seeking help and will provide a platform to discuss issues facing our communities."
 
Families in Support of Treatment (F.I.S.T) is a non-profit organization created to help families who have loved ones that are struggling with the disease of addiction. F.I.S.T. also serves as a community resource for proposed legislation to improve access to treatment for those struggling with substance abuse.  "I would like to thank Senator Murphy for inviting F.I.S.T.  to share our experience in this fight to save our communities," said Anthony Rizzuto, Executive Director and Founder. "The disease of addiction is devastating individuals, families and communities. Everyone who comes to our collaborative forum will have access to resources and a great lineup of speakers providing valuable information to empower themselves and their families."

Drug Crisis in Our Backyard offers education and action-oriented opportunities for families battling drug addiction and the stigma associated with drug abuse. The organization was founded in 2012 by Susan and Steve Salomone, and Carol and Lou Christiansen after both couples' sons   lost their battles against heroin.  Steve Salomone said, "We are happy to be part of the wide-range of community-based groups who are participating. One of our goals is to help people understand the types of resources that are available to them throughout the region."
 
Yorktown Councilman Thomas Diana and law enforcement officer Mike Reda are chair and co-chair, respectively, of the Yorktown Citizens Task Force Against Heroin, whose mission is to provide information and foster educational awareness of the epidemic use of heroin. Councilman Diana said, "This event will be an informative and enlightening night for the community. Anyone who comes to 'United for Hope for Yorktown' will come away with a lot more knowledge of the devastation that heroin abuse is causing and what we can do to combat it."
 
Alliance for Safe Kids, Inc. (ASK)  is a collaboration between parents, teens, educators, law enforcement, government, medical professionals, businesses, faith leaders, and civic groups aimed at providing youth with the information and skills needed to make healthy decisions while emphasizing the need for families to protect and nurture their children by getting informed and staying involved. 
 
"The Alliance for Safe Kids welcomes a wonderful opportunity to participate in the upcoming forum. An evening of help, hope, compassion and recovery is exactly how Yorktown works best!" said Trici Cushner, CEO and President. "As we do with all quality programming, ASK will reach out to community sectors and leaders to send representatives who can gather information and resources to help community members in need of support. By continuing to look at substance abuse and mental health through gentle responses and connections to support, our community will strengthen the safety net for each other. This forum is a perfect way to get involved and stay informed as community allies."
 
To pre-register, please click here. For further information, contact Senator Murphy's office at 914-962-2624.