Battling Heroin Addiction: Michael's Hope to Present Second Free Narcan Training Session in Greenport

As the heroin crisis continues to escalate on the North Fork and across Long Island, local groups are gearing up to fight back and save lives.

Efforts include free Narcan training, presented by Michael’s Hope, a group organized to raise awareness about the dangers of heroin addiction.

A first session is scheduled for next week as Narcan training comes to Mattituck: A two hour session will be given on Feb. 4 at the Mattituck Fire Department, from 5:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m with Robert Delagi .

And now, a second session has been added: Michael’s Hope will give a presentation and free Narcan training on March 31 from 5:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. at the Old Schoolhouse on Front Street in Greenport.

Greenport Village Trustee Doug Roberts spoke to the village board last week about enlisting the help of Michael’s Hope, a group founded by Laurel resident Paul Maffetone, whose brother Michael died at 29 of a heroin overdose in 2012.

Roberts and Greenport Village Mayor George Hubbard both agree that anything that can be done to stem the tide of heroin addiction is critical.

“I know it is uncomfortable to talk about but if we pretend that the heroin epidemic has not changed recently or grown in intensity, we are not doing right by our neighbors and kids who may be confronted with a decision to become drug-involved,” Roberts told Patch..”Paul Maffetone and his family have been through something terrible and his selfless dedication to the work of ensuring that another family never has to experience such tragic loss is commendable. I am thrilled that the village is inviting him out to provide this workshop which many in the community have expressed interest in attending.”

Maffetone was thrilled that Greenport was onboard with organizing the workship. “I think it’s great to see other towns and communities now reaching out for us to bring Michael’s Hope and Narcan training to their area. This is what we need. We need collaboration between people fighting the epidemic and townships and communities! It’s truly amazing and we are grateful.”

Michael’s Hope has gained a great deal of attention via social media and on Facebook, as others join forces to fight back against a disease that has claimed their loved ones and left families and communities dealing with unthinkable loss.

Efforts have gained momentum quickly: Now, Maffetone is working with a team of young people, including Trevor Murray and Jordan Stierle of Coram, Kristina Amato of Commack, Samantha Paulus of Port Jefferson, and Matt Liquori of Riverhead, gearing up to address local municipalities and school districts on the escalating heroin crisis.

They’ve filed the paperwork to become a 501c3 not-for-profit and are just waiting for final approval.

Donning ‘I Hate Heroin” hats and bracelets, their message is resonating on the North Fork and across Long Island.

Recently, Maffetone and met with Roberts to discuss addressing the board with a presentation on Michael’s Hope, as well as possibly setting up the Narcan training session.

“Our ultimate goal would be to hold an open-door event where the community could come down and get education about this epidemic and substance abuse, presented by Michael’s Hope, on a more regular basis, perhaps once every month, or every few months,” Maffetone said.

His hope is also to address the Greenport School District, Maffetone said.

In addition, Roberts said Guardian Angels founder Curtis Sliwa has reached out to the village, asking if he can come address the board on how the Guardian Angels could help deal with heroin issues in Greenport. Sliwa is slated to head out to Greenport in February.

Hubbard said he looks forward to hearing from Maffetone. “Any information we can get out there to help other kids struggling with addiction is a good thing,” he said.

Greenport isn’t the only North Fork community poised for action: Maffetone has met with Rev. Tom MacLeod of the North Fork United Methodist Church, hoping to plan a community event where a film on heroin addiction will be shown, along with a Michael’s Hope presentation..

Michael’s Hope efforts will also be spread across Long Island. The group is presenting to all the health classes at Glen Cove High School Feb. 3 and 4. The group plans to address groups across both Suffolk and Nassau Counties; a Manorville event is in the works right now.

For Maffetone, the efforts touch a deeply personal chord: “The ugliest disease hides in the most beautiful people,” he said, adding that his aim is to shine a light for those struggling, showing them that there is “hope after dope.”

Some in recovery shared their stories with Patch recently.

He added, “Watching my brother go through his addiction alone, because we couldn’t talk about it, due to the stigma, and also, knowing how my family and I felt —I wanted other families to know that they aren’t alone.””

Losing his brother was something that will forever color Maffetone’s world. “It was truly the most devastating thing I’ve ever had to deal with,” he said. “Soon I’ll be the same age my brother was, when he passed away. He was my best friend, my hero, my keeper. I shouldn’t have had to carry his casket down the church aisle when he was 29 years old.”

(Patch photo courtesy of Paul Maffetone and his fellow “Michael’s Hope” team members.)