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Evening with Ryan Leaf Focuses on Mental Health Issues, Opioid Addiction, Recovery

The Clinton County District Attorney’s Office will present “An Evening with Ryan Leaf,” a discussion about mental health issues and opioid addiction with former NFL quarterback Ryan Leaf, Wednesday, Nov. 1 from 7 to 8:30 p.m. in the Plattsburgh State Field House.

According to District Attorney Andrew Wylie, Clinton County heroin and opioid addiction is an issue that affects communities and families widespread.

“It’s a huge epidemic in Clinton County,” Wylie said. “It doesn’t matter who you are — it can impact anyone and everyone.”

The purpose of this event, according to Wylie, is to talk about mental health issues, opioid addiction and recovery, with Leaf leading the discussion by sharing his personal experiences. Wylie hopes the event will “bring young people together” and “enlighten the community.”

After playing in the NFL, Leaf retired in 2003 with an injury and began to abuse prescription opiates. By 2012, he was in prison for burglary, theft and drug charges. While in prison, Leaf met a fellow inmate who changed his vision of life, describing this as a time of “spiritual growth and humility.”

Today, Leaf is the voice for the recovery community and hopes to inspire others to begin their journey to recovery. He chooses to share his story to reach the person who cannot yet imagine a better life for themselves.

This event, which is free and open to the public, will follow with a meet and greet.

For more information, contact the Clinton County District Attorney office at 518-565-4770, or email [email protected]. 

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