Real-Life Drug Use Perspective In Port Jefferson School District

Press release from Port Jefferson School District:

Oct. 5, 2022

The Port Jefferson School District continues to provide social-emotional instruction and resources to expand on the mental and social-emotional health of its students. Michael Maletta’s health classes at Earl L. Vandermeulen High School recently welcomed Suffolk County assistant district attorneys Emma Pearce and Jennifer Wickers to discuss the dangers of Fentanyl and drug use.

The two attorneys gave insight into the legal aspect of the drug and the ramifications of drug possession, sharing unused prescription medications and how deadly Fentanyl is — being a major contributor to fatal and nonfatal overdoses.

"Hearing the firsthand perspective and experience really made everything feel more real,” junior Frank D’Elia said.

The most impactful part of their discussion was sharing real-life stories and experiences the students have encountered with people overdosing on Fentanyl.

“It was interesting to hear the legal side of drug use and what the ADA does when they get a call regarding a drug overdose or drug dealer,” senior Matthew Buonomo said.

Frank and Matthew are students enrolled the Current Issues in Health class, a new multidisciplinary elective that is providing students with a broad background of information on current issues in healthcare.

This press release was produced by Port Jefferson School District. The views expressed here are the author's own.