Phoenix House NY/LI, Elected Officials Celebrate Newest Graduates in Recovery

LONG ISLAND, NY (06/12/2026) (readMedia)-- Yesterday, Phoenix House New York & Long Island held its annual graduation ceremony, celebrating 60 new alumni and their collective journey to recovery from substance use. Attendees gathered at Hofstra University to honor the classes of 2025 and 2026, meet with other alumni, and learn about Phoenix House's treatment programs. In 2024, the fatal overdose rate for Suffolk County was 22.2 out of 100,000 residents, and Long Island saw more than 25,000 substance use treatment admissions to OASAS in 2022.

View photos of the event here.

Joining hundreds of recovery community advocates, relatives, and supporters in recognizing the graduates, Suffolk County Legislator Sam Gonzalez delivered this year's keynote speech and highlighted the work of Phoenix House's Long Island-based programs, including its Brentwood Mental Health Center, which has served 265 residents since opening in September 2024. Across Suffolk County, Phoenix House's STOP OD team has also trained over 2,300 business owners and community members through partnerships with community organizations and other public service agencies.

Following graduation, 99% of Phoenix House alumni remain free from substance use a month after discharge, 95% improve their housing status, and 70% see improved employment outcomes according to survey data. Graduates shared their personal stories of engaging with Phoenix House's treatment programs and successfully navigating sobriety, with the support of their peers, dedicated staff, and leadership.

"For almost six decades, Phoenix House has been on the frontlines supporting New Yorkers in recovery from addiction. Our mission and approach are firmly rooted in the understanding that both personal agency and community are at the foundation of recovery. We are immensely proud of the classes of 2025 and 2026 for reaching this milestone, and remain inspired by the generations of alumni who continue to uplift each other. Many thanks to Suffolk County Legislator Sam Gonzalez, and all recovery advocates for their efforts in helping us address this crisis," said Ann-Marie Foster, Phoenix House President & CEO.

About Phoenix House New York & Long Island: For nearly 60 years, Phoenix House New York and Long Island has helped thousands of people overcome substance and alcohol use in order to lead healthy, productive, and rewarding lives. Born as a model for integrated substance use treatment, Phoenix House has grown into a treatment network that offers short-term and long-term residential, intensive outpatient, and general outpatient treatment. Phoenix House also offers treatment for co-occurring mental health disorders, clinical services, medication for addiction treatment, health and wellness goals, and vocational and educational support.

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