Local and state policy makers, health professionals, and others gathered at the Dormition of the Virgin Mary Greek Orthodox Church of the Hamptons on Wednesday for the East End’s first opioid forum, “Stories From Suffolk.” READ
Health
State lawmakers Tuesday approved legislation that strengthens abortion rights in New York.
The state Senate passed the Reproductive Health Act in a 38-24 vote. READ
Satur Farms in Cutchogue has issued a recall of mesclun and baby spinach after a sample tested positive for Salmonella bacteria, according to U.S. Food and Drug Administration. READ
A new vaping prevention program is being piloted in Suffolk County schools, County Executive Steve Bellone announced Tuesday.
Citing an “alarming rise” in teenagers who use e-cigarettes, the program, Vape Out, will launch in four Suffolk County school districts Jan. 30. READ
When Anton DeMartino left the Army in the ’60s, he never could have imagined a time when veterans were welcomed home, cared for and embraced. READ
A $75,000 federal pass-through grant administered by the state health department will help Suffolk County fund a new training program for first responders on the front lines of the opioid epidemic. READ
Across Suffolk County, 396 opioid-related deaths occurred in 2017 — more than one per day for the year. This year, as of Oct. 1, there have been 171 confirmed opioid deaths countywide. READ
With the nation in the throes of an opioid epidemic, more emphasis is being placed on preventing youth from starting down the path to addiction. A handful of East End groups dedicated to this mission offer year-round programming for students in an effort to help them avoid making decisions that experts say have the potential to spiral out of control. READ
Caregivers are often called the invisible patients. They carry a burden that can be isolating and stressful.
Advanced diseases and chronic illnesses such as Alzheimer’s, dementia and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease can affect a patient for years. READ
As legal marijuana gets closer to becoming a reality in New York, state officials are asking the public: How can we get it right?
In September, the Department of Health launched a statewide listening tour bringing community organizers, physicians and pro-cannabis activists together to share their input as the state’s Regulated Marijuana Workgroup begins crafting language for an adult-use recreational marijuana law.
“We are not here to build consensus, but rather gather input,” from a variety of viewpoints, said Sandra Houston, a Department of Health official who moderated a session held in Ronkonkoma Tuesday evening. READ
