RipLB started in 2014 as a response to tragic deaths by heroin overdose and suicide in Long Beach, NY. While there were professional organizations doing great work in this movement already, we observed that something must still be missing, since so many people were still struggling. We determined that a community response might be the missing piece, and we set out to cause a tipping point and "turn the tide" on this epidemic.

​

First, our goal was to raise awareness about these issues and make it "okay" to talk about. We started by organizing into three action-oriented focus groups: addiction, mental health, and living well. We also had a three-step process with which we approached taking any actions: inform, act, assess. Because we know there are no quick fixes, and because we don't want to recreate the wheel or step on any toes, before any initiative we first we inform ourselves about the issue we're taking on, then we take an action (the next right action, if you will), and then we assess how effective we were in helping. 

​

Using this process, we set out on putting our focus groups to work. For a full list of the initiatives we've accomplished, check out our gallery here. 

Now that these issues are nationwide conversations, our goal is to continue connecting people to the resources they need. We also want to "go digital" with our movement and continue the conversation online, so that 1) people know they're not alone and 2) as many people as possible can get help. 

​

We're in this together. Remember: THERE IS HELP, and THERE IS HOPE!