Photo credit – Matt Meduri
The topic of the ongoing opioid epidemic in Suffolk County and its myriad of consequences remains unfortunately relevant in headlines and regular public discourse. The scourge of illicit drugs, kingpin dealers evading prosecution due to New York’s prerogatives on the matter, and the ubiquitousness of substance abuse in communities across the county make addiction, substance abuse, and overdose topics in the news cycle on a near-daily basis.
However, from a great tragedy, a new beginning can be spawned. Dorothy Johnson has given a new meaning to such a mandate.
Johnson lost her son Max twelve years ago to an opioid overdose. Since then, Johnson has been a constant and vocal advocate for breaking the stigma surrounding substance abuse and raising awareness for such a widespread problem in the community.
The Bayport-Blue community gathers at the end of every August to help the towns “go purple.” Islip started the tradition to help Johnson and citizens like her carry their banners that would be incredibly difficult to carry themselves. Every September, Islip “goes purple,” starting a trend that has permeated across Suffolk County and into other parts of the country as well.
Community members, those who have experienced or lost someone to substance abuse, and elected officials gathered at the Bayport-Blue Point Public Library on Tuesday evening to host a health fair full of information on dealing with substance abuse or helping a loved one through the harrowing experience, to pay respects to those who have been claimed by the epidemic, and to light the tree on the property off Middle Road purple to be a beacon of awareness and hope to those who pass by.
“It could be anyone’s child. There are no rules that state [an overdose victim] has to be a ‘dirt bag’ or the person hanging out on the side of the street. It could be anyone’s child,” Johnson told attendees. “I planted the tree with help from the Bayport Flower House and we will light it purple for the twelfth year for increased awareness.”
International Overdose Awareness Day is recognized on August 31.
“The color represents acknowledgement for our youth. Hopefully, they start the conversation,” said Johnson, hoping that when children see the purple tree lights, or purple flags adorning Blue Point Avenue, they ask their parents what those colors mean, and, hopefully, they receive an answer.
“This epidemic is a devastating public health emergency that touches families, communities, and individuals of all walks of life. Pain relievers, heroin, synthetic opioids, and fentanyl are all responsible for a staggering number of overdose deaths that have crippled so many families,” said Johnson. “Over 70% of drug overdoses in 2023 were linked to opioids. This is a clear indicator that we need to intensify our efforts to combat this American crisis, right here on Long Island. Taking action is what we’re doing tonight by lighting the tree purple and increasing awareness, shedding the shame and stigma, and remembering those we have lost.”
Elected officials were afforded the opportunity to address Johnson and attendees.
“I don’t think there’s any family on Long Island or in New York State that isn’t touched by addiction in one way or another, my family included,” said Senator Alexis Weik (R-Sayville), whose district encompasses most of the Town of Islip. “This can be anyone’s child and it is anyone’s child; it’s all of our children.”
“Senator Weik and I and our colleagues have been teaming with our District Attorney [Ray Tierney (R)] to introduce legislation to go after the dealers, the poison pushers who are doing this,” said Senator Dean Murray (R-East Patchogue), whose district includes southern Brookhaven. “This is not a partisan issue; this is not a Republican or Democratic issue. You know what color you get when you mix red and blue? You get purple.”
Representatives from the Suffolk County Legislature were also in attendance, whose districts include the Bayport-Blue Point area.
“The Suffolk County Legislature was one of the first bodies in the country to sue the pharmaceutical companies and wound up getting a $90 million settlement to give to these organizations to help fight addiction,” said Suffolk County Legislator Anthony Piccirillo (R-Holtsvile). “Along with our partners in Albany and Washington, D.C., we are fighting hard to make sure that we not only hold people accountable, but that they pay the price for the lies they told about these prescription medications and the damage they have caused to our communities.”
Legislator Dominick Thorne (R-Patchogue), who chairs the Fire, Rescue, and Emergency Services and Preparedness Committee, praised recent efforts from the Suffolk County Police Department to train residents in the use of Narcan in the event of an overdose. The SCPD has been holding ad hoc demonstrations of Narcan administration during large-scale community events, such as Patchogue’s Alive at Five.
“Do not back down. Do not feel that it’s a subject we should not be talking about, because one of the great things of today is the fact that we bring it out loud and clear,” said Thorne.
Brookhaven Councilman and Deputy Supervisor Neil Foley (R-Blue Point) took the opportunity to address Johnson directly.
“You’ve saved so many lives because of your journey with Max, and I want to say as an elected official and a father: thank you so much,” said Foley.
Islip Receiver of Taxes Andy Wittman (R-Sayville) and a representative for Islip Councilman John Lorenzo (R-West Sayville) were also present, as were members of the Bayport-Blue Point Chamber of Commerce, the Bayport Civic Association, and Bayport-Blue Point Library management personnel.
Megan O’Donnell, a member of D.A. Tierney’s executive team, called the evening “bittersweet.”
“It’s bitter because we know why we are here. In 2023, there were 463 deaths in Suffolk County from opioids alone,” said O’Donnell. “But there’s a sweetness to it as well: seeing the community come together with a common purpose, a common goal, and making sure their voices are heard. Unfortunately, if we have to continue [the awareness campaign], Ray Tierney and his people will be here every single year to support Dorothy.”
Pam Mizzi, Director for the Long Island Prevention Resource Center, said that prevention “works if you work it” and urged that working towards prevention is a method to “saving lives.”
MaryAnn Pfeiffer, Director of the Youth Enrichment Services (YES), said that recovery is also effective.
“To families who are struggling [with recovery], keep with it. It might not be one time or two times, it might be eight times,” said Pfeiffer. “There are a lot of different addictions,” she added, stressing that recovery is as effective as one’s commitment.
Brian McAuliff, Lead Advisor for Listen to Lead, pitched his view of the “value” of youth learning and “teaching each other” from his twenty years as a scoutmaster with the Boy Scouts.
“We have a very stressed youth population, and that population goes right into the 30s and 40s,” said McAuliff. “Listen to Lead brings youth together so that they become peer mentors. Youth needs to be engaged early.” He added that as medical first-aid has been crucial in saving hundreds of thousands of lives over the years, “mental first-aid” needs to be prioritized.
The crowd then moved to the front of the library’s parking lot, where the tree and ceremony were blessed by Pastor Michael Miano of Blue Point Bible Church and Pastor Dwight Lee Wolter of Patchogue Congregational Church.
Pastor Wolter lost his six-year-old daughter in a car accident at the hands of an impaired driver eighteen years ago. Not a Christian then, Wolter identified with the teachings and attitude of Jesus. Forgiveness was a difficult path for him, but he relayed that message into the blessing of the tree and the event.
“Make me an instrument of Your peace that where there is hatred, let me sow love; where there is injury, pardon; where there is doubt, faith; where there is despair, hope; where there is sadness, joy,” said Wolter as he read the blessing. “For it is in giving that we receive, it is in pardoning that we are pardoned, and it is in dying that we are born to eternal life.”
