Thank you for joining us!
On September 2, 2026, LICADD was honored to co-host Recovery Is REAL: Restoring Every Aspect of Life for Everyone at the H. Lee Dennison Building in Hauppauge in recognition of National Recovery Month.
Presented in partnership with Suffolk County Executive Edward P. Romaine, the Suffolk County Office of Women’s Services, and the Suffolk County Women’s Advisory Commission, this community-wide recovery awareness event brought together public officials, healthcare professionals, treatment providers, recovery advocates, and community organizations from across Long Island to promote hope, healing, and recovery from substance use disorders. Through education, meaningful dialogue, and shared experiences, attendees explored ways to strengthen support for individuals and families impacted by addiction and mental health challenges.
The program featured remarks from local leaders and experts in the fields of recovery, prevention, treatment, and recovery support services, as well as a Narcan training led by the Suffolk County Police Department Emergency Medical Services team. The event highlighted the importance of collaboration among government agencies, nonprofit organizations, healthcare providers, and community partners in expanding access to resources, reducing stigma, and supporting long-term recovery.
We also offer a special thank you to Seafield Center and Outreach: Building Healthy Lives for their partnership and support in helping make this event possible. Together, we continue to strengthen the Long Island recovery community, raise awareness about substance use disorder recovery, promote overdose prevention and Narcan education, and build healthier, more supportive communities.
The program featured powerful insights from:
- Edward P. Romaine, Suffolk County Executive
- Dr. Sylvia A. Diaz, Ph.D., LCSW, Deputy County Executive for Health, Human Services & Education
- Stacey Ann Caggiano, Director, Suffolk County Office of Women’s Services
- Kristen Alifano, Chair, Suffolk County Women’s Advisory Commission
- Sharon Richmond, Vice Chair, Suffolk County Women’s Advisory Commission; Chair, Substance Use Disorder & Mental Health Subcommittee
- Chris Kelly, MA, Executive Director of LICADD
- Adam Birkenstock, LCSW, Director of Programming at LICADD
- Jason Byron, Suffolk County Police Department Emergency Medical Service Officer
- Anthony Rizzuto, LMSW, CASAC-Master Counselor, CAI-I, Director of Provider Relations at Seafield Center
- John Venza, LCSW-R, LMHC, Vice President for Residential Services and Business Development at Outreach
- Brenda Harris-Collins, Director of the Bureau of Recovery and Social Needs at OASAS
To stay informed about upcoming recovery events, educational workshops, support programs, and community initiatives across Long Island, visit our Community Calendar for the latest opportunities to connect, learn, and engage.