5th Annual Outreach/John Brower, Jr. Foundation 5K Walk Raises Awareness of Long Island’s Opioid Crisis

October 5, 2019

5th Annual Outreach/John Brower, Jr. Foundation 5K Walk Raises Awareness of Long Island’s Opioid Crisis

The Fifth Annual Outreach/John Brower, Jr. Foundation 5K Walk at Jones Bach to raise funds and awareness on the opioid crisis on Long Island took place on Saturday. The event, which has raised more than $106,000 since its inception, is held to honor the memory of John Brower, Jr., who died in 2014 of an opiate overdose at age 25. Proceeds from the walk support Outreach, the Queens and Long Island-based organization dedicated to helping teens and adults fight drug and alcohol addiction. More than 200 individuals participated in this year’s walk.

John and Jody Brower, the parents of John Brower, Jr., formed the foundation to raise awareness of drug abuse and to help raise funds to end the opioid epidemic that has adversely affected Long Island in recent years. After being introduced to Outreach shortly after their son’s passing, the Browers were so impressed by the organization’s dedication to help those struggling with addiction that they decided to devote their group’s fundraising to the agency.

“Outreach does incredible work by helping people who are addicted, especially through the services they offer families,” said John Brower, Sr. “We continue to work with them and donate to the agency because they are so dedicated to the cause and are so professional in every way.”

Christine Casiano, vice president and chief operating officer at Outreach, said “We are so grateful to the Browers. Since their tragedy they have worked so hard to help others and to help our agency. We couldn’t be more thankful and proud to work with such an outstanding family.”

If you or someone you know needs help with a drug or alcohol problem, please call Outreach, with locations in New York City and Long Island, at 718-847-9233, or visit opiny.org.

About Outreach 

Over 39 years ago, Outreach opened its doors as a small assessment and referral center to engage people in the community struggling with addiction to seek help. Since then, its mission evolved to meet more needs and more communities. Today, Outreach inspires adolescents, adults, and their families to achieve a life of unlimited potential through high-quality, evidence-based substance abuse treatment and training programs throughout New York City and Long Island.

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