Through their work in the emergency and intensive care units at Mather Hospital, a group of nurses have seen too often the scourge of drug abuse and they are committed to educating the community to prevent further tragedies.
Most recently, the group of volunteer nurses took part in a presentation at Newfield High School. Their message focused on awareness and education, with strong emphasis on prevention. They warned how some of the patients they have treated began to abuse drugs at home and stressed that parents need to be particularly vigilant about any prescription medications
“We want to bring awareness to the community of the toll that prescription drug and illicit drug abuse are having on our community and we want to work together,” said Dina Giulietti, RN, of Mather’s Emergency Department. “Everyone thinks it’s not going to be their kid until they are in the emergency room.”
At Newfield, the nursing group distributed information about signs of alcohol and drug abuse, as well as support groups that could provide help. They also fielded questions from those in attendance. Earlier this year, the group made a similar presentation at Comsewogue High School.