Police

On anniversary of teen’s death, sheriff holds drugs forum

The Suffolk County Sheriff’s Office will take part in a community presentation on the dangers of heroin and opiate addiction and how to help those in need later this month, exactly four years after a Suffolk County teen died following his battle with drug addiction. 

The event will be part of the annual “Gabriel’s Message” memorial, which seeks to raise awareness about addiction with parents and community members in honor of 15-year-old Gabriel Phillippe.

“I am deeply saddened by the loss of Gabriel Phillippe, and so many of our young people, whose lives ended prematurely due to drug addiction,” said Sheriff Vincent DeMarco in a statement. “We offer these presentations throughout Suffolk County to make parents aware of the problem and to help them recognize the signs of drug abuse.”

The Sheriff’s Office and other presenters, including Kim Laube, the Executive Director of H.U.G.S., will talk about where people can obtain help for a substance abuse addiction.

The event will also highlight the personal stories of those struggling to beat addiction. The presentation will be held from 7 to 9:30 p.m. at 30 Sanford Place in Southampton.

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