Overdose Awareness Means Action in Lindenhurst

On August 27, the Town of Babylon Cares Coalition/Lindy Cares, in collaboration with the Moose of Lindenhurst, hosted Overdose Awareness Night. This moving event remembered the lives lost to substance misuse and lifted the voices of those working for recovery, healing, and prevention. Community members, partners, and prevention leaders gathered to reflect, share, and recommit to building safer, healthier neighborhoods where people can thrive. As part of the event, the 1st Pct. Police officers provided a secure, accessible way for families to dispose of unused or expired prescriptions—showing that even small steps, like cleaning out a medicine cabinet, make a big difference.
This outreach gives everyone a chance to take an active role in prevention. Life saving NARCAN training was also available.
Suffolk County Executive Ed Romaine attended the event and met with Coalition Executive Director Lori Novello, coalition staff, and representatives from every sector, including non profits Hope for Youth, CASJ and business member Beauti Affair. Elected officials, Legislator Kevin McCaffrey, Assemblyman Kwani O'Pharrow, Lindenhurst Village Trustee MaryAnn Weckerle and Pastor Doug Madlon, also joined to demonstrate their support. Their presence underscored the importance of collaboration and commitment in addressing the issues posed by the misuse of opioids and other substances.
Lindy Cares’ Executive Director highlighted the coalition’s mission to bring evidence-based prevention strategies directly into the culture of the community—through surveys, focus groups, youth leadership, and responsive programming that addresses emerging risks. “Prevention works best when it is early, timely, and community-driven,” she said, noting the coalition’s partnership to maximize available resources from the local, state, and federal agencies. The evening also recognized the professionals and volunteers dedicated to prevention and recovery, working tirelessly to mitigate harm and promote wellness.
As the coalition looks ahead, its commitment remains clear: to stand with families, listen to the needs of youth, and help create an environment where prevention is not a program but a way of life woven into the culture of Town of Babylon residents.