Drug Crisis In My Backyard Helps Combat Use Of Deadly Drugs

PUTNAM COUNTY, N.Y. -- On May 3-4 United Way Westchester and Putnam will launch its Give Local Westchester & Putnam campaign. The 24-hour online giving event asks the community to donate to 117 local, not-for-profit agencies that support the community through the arts, education, elder care, crisis support and more. Nationally, Give Local America raised more than $68 million last year.

Victoria Meitz, founder of Run4Recovery and Susan Salomone, founder of Drug Crisis in our Backyard at last year’s Run4Recovery fundraiser.
Photo Credit: *United Way of Westchester and Putnam*

John Haffey

Content Partner: United Way of Westchester and Putnam

Here’s the story of one local organization that will be looking for support during Give Local this year.

When Susan and Steve Salomone of Putnam County lost their son Justin to a heroin overdose in June 2012, Susan wrote a powerful article in the local newspaper that caught the attention of Lou and Carol Christiansen, who had also recently lost their son Eric to drugs. The two couples met and decided that it was time to talk about the epidemic that had claimed their community, and started Drug Crisis in My Backyard.

Since then the organization has provided support and education, helping families connect with valuable resources during trying times. It has also sponsored training on the use of Narcan, a drug used to treat Opiod overdoses, as well as hosted other education programs in the community. View one of their videos here.

Bill Mooney, President and CEO Westchester County Association, says the organization performs an important service to the community.

“Drug Crisis in our Backyard is offering support and resources to help individuals and families at risk or struggling with addiction. From my perspective, this is an opportunity to support the mission of Drug Crisis in our Backyard and therefore be part of the collective effort of helping your fellow man,’’ he said.

To find out more about Give Local Westchester & Putnam or to give to any of the 117 local organizations participating on May 3-4, visit givelocalwp.org. Share on social media #givelocalwp.