Drug and Alcohol Task Force awarded $900,000 to expand local youth services

Amidst a record-setting drug overdose crisis fueled by a surge in fentanyl that claimed more than 112,000 lives nationally last year, the Northport/East Northport Community Drug and Alcohol Task Force (NENDATF) has secured a Suffolk County Opiate Settlement Award for $300,000 per year for three years to support its mission of combating substance misuse in local communities.

The NENDATF considers this mission a critical one – as recently as September 2023, the Suffolk County Police Department 2^nd Precinct, which covers East Northport, reported overdoses are up 40% from last year.

The award will “empower NENDATF to expand outreach and engagement to the area’s marginalized and/or underserved and non-English-speaking communities and beyond through parent and youth education workshops, presentations, and innovative bilingual programs,” reads a NENDATF press release.

”We are thrilled to receive this award which will enable us to strengthen our efforts in tackling drug and alcohol use and misuse and mental health issues within our community,” said spokesperson Linda Oristano, a Northport resident who took over as project coordinator of the NENDATF in January of 2022. Oristano and her fellow team members and volunteers have put much energy and enthusiasm into spreading the task force’s mission over the years, especially to the community’s younger population.

“We see this grant award as a testament to the dedication and effectiveness of the organization’s prevention work and its commitment to creating a safer, healthier community by addressing complex issues associated with substance use/misuse,” Oristano said.

NENDATF president, and pastor at St. Paul's United Methodist Church in Northport Village, David Czeisel accepted the award on behalf of the NENDATF. “This recognition is a tribute to our unwavering commitment to combating the devastating impact of drug and alcohol misuse in our communities. Together, we have worked tirelessly to bring hope, healing, and positive change to those affected. This award inspires us to continue our mission with even greater passion and determination.”

A long-time partner of the taskforce, CN Guidance and Counseling Services (CN), will continue to provide fiscal oversight and support the program administratively to aid NENDATF’s efforts.

“We are so grateful to Suffolk County for committing this much needed support to our ongoing partnership with NENDATF and to help address the effects of opioids and fentanyl on marginalized communities,” said CN Guidance CEO, Jeffrey Friedman.

The award from Suffolk County will fund a variety of NENDATF initiatives including ones aimed to: reduce the rate of opioid and substance misuse in Northport and East Northport by increasing community education and promoting skill-building among youth; engage communities with underserved populations in Northport and East Northport with a special emphasis on youth; and build a comprehensive support network that promotes long-term recovery and wellbeing for all community youth, minimizing stigma surrounding substance use and misuse.

Formed in 2006, the NENDATF continues to build a solid presence in the community, offering opportunities throughout the year to learn more about the organization and get involved in its mission. A general membership meeting is scheduled for 7 to 8:30 pm on Wednesday, January 17 at the Brosnan building in Northport. To become a member of the NENDATF, inquire about volunteer opportunities, or donate to the cause, click here.