The Smithtown Town Board unanimously approved the establishment of its Opioid and Addiction Task Force, a community-driven initiative aimed at combating the opioid epidemic and supporting individuals and families affected by substance use disorders. The resolution to form the task force was approved during the February 4 town board meeting. The town board says this marks a significant step forward in addressing this ongoing crisis through compassion, resources, and education.
“We cannot turn a blind eye to the opioid crisis, mental health struggles, and substance abuse that impact our community,” said Town Supervisor Ed Wehrheim. “Furthermore, we must also hold those liable for this crisis accountable. The stigma surrounding addiction often creates a sense of shame and judgment that prevents individuals from seeking the help they desperately need. We all know someone — a friend, a family member, coworker, or a neighbor — who has been affected by this crisis. It is our responsibility to foster a culture of compassion, understanding, and support. Everyone deserves a chance at living a healthy, rewarding life, and together, we can break down barriers to recovery and build a stronger, healthier community.”
The task force was formed in response to the growing need for a unified approach to addiction and mental health challenges within the community. With support from local Senator Mario Mattera (R-Smithtown), Horizons Counseling and Education Center, healthcare professionals, law enforcement, and key community stakeholders, such as Susan Buroker — who presented the concept alongside Madlyn Makboulian, ADV-CASAC, CPP, the director of drug and alcohol counseling services for Horizons Counseling and Education Center. The initiative will focus on prevention, education, resource accessibility, and reducing the stigma surrounding addiction. The Smithtown Opioid and Addiction Task Force will be committed to addressing the substance use crisis through a proactive, community-driven approach.
“After meeting Susan Buroker and her team in my office, I knew Supervisor Wehrheim and the Town Board would take immediate action to help protect Smithtown residents,” Mattera said. “Along with his colleagues, Supervisor Wehrheim quickly put the issue on their agenda to help raise awareness and save lives. This, along with their decision to ban legal cannabis dispensaries, shows their commitment to protecting our residents from drug abuse. That is greatly appreciated and I look forward to continuing to work with all involved to increase the conversation around this somewhat whispered topic.”
“The formation of the new Smithtown anti-drug and opiate task force represents a critical step in our fight against substance abuse,” Makboulian said. “By bringing together law enforcement, healthcare professionals, and community leaders, we are committed to preventing addiction, providing support for those in recovery, and holding those who fuel this crisis accountable. Together, we will work toward a safer, healthier future for our community.”
The town board will appoint a dedicated team of local leaders, first responders, hospital professionals, and key stakeholders to lead efforts in combating opioid addiction and supporting individuals in recovery in the coming months. A core mission of the task force will be to educate and inform the community by providing individuals and families with essential resources on prevention strategies, treatment options, and the realities of substance use. Additionally, the task force seeks to reduce the stigma by fostering open discussions and creating a supportive environment that challenges misconceptions about addiction and mental health.
“Together as a community we created this task force because addiction isn’t just an individual struggle — it affects us all,” said Buroker, a community advocate and the founding member of the Smithtown Opioid and Addiction Task Force. “Through awareness, support, and conversation we can create real change together.”
By strengthening community connections, the task force will work collaboratively with local organizations, healthcare providers, schools, first responders and law enforcement to create a united front against substance use disorders. It will also focus on raising awareness of available resources, ensuring residents have access to treatment, prevention measures and recovery services through targeted outreach and community engagement.
The Smithtown Opioid and Addiction Task Force plans to host a community event in partnership with Horizons Counseling and Education Center, slated for May 17. The first task force event will provide critical resources, and services including Narcan training, a prescription medication disposal (Give-Back Initiative) and guest speakers. Additionally, resources from the community such as Phoenix House, Thrive, Long Island Center for Recovery, Diagnostic, Assessment, and Stabilization Services, New Horizons, AA/NA, St. Catherine’s Hospital, Sun River Detox, and LICR will be invited to participate with interactive booths providing information and resources to attendees.