Chairmans COLUMN FOR 10/12/2017 REGISTER STAR
THE OPIOID CRISIS
As I’ve stated on numerous other occasions, in public forums and at other events, the opioid crisis in our community is unacceptable. People are overdosing, and people are dying. This is not a fancy mathematical problem to be solved, rather, it requires a combination of education, prevention, rehabilitation and treatment, and law enforcement.
Neither is it a partisan issue. At the county level, we have been fortunate to enjoy full bipartisan support and energy as we work to eliminate the destructive force of opioids as a factor in our community. However one looks at it, the outcome should be simple to see: We need to stop it. This is personal … for all of us.
As we have learned during the previous three county opioid forums (the fourth is scheduled for tonight at the Germantown Town Hall at 6 p.m.), many of our residents – somewhat to our surprise -- remain unaware of the services being offered on the county level. Although there’s not enough space here to outline all that are involved, or all measures being taken, let’s talk about a few of the strategies being deployed and contemplated.
At the Columbia County Department of Human Services (DHS), Director Michael Cole oversees a department that coordinates with the county Health Department, Twin County Recovery Services, and others to assure that a person in need receive immediate assistance. Twin County should be recognized as an essential partner in this fight. Further, DHS, in conjunction with the sheriff’s department, staffs the crisis “Warm Line” at 518-828-9946 and the County has also contracted with Columbia Pathways to Recovery (CPR) for a “Help Line”.
One thing we should keep in mind is that the county sheriff’s department, under the leadership of Sheriff David Bartlett, does not exist simply to conduct arrests, which only addresses a part of the problem. Nor does the county district attorney see that as a useful tactic in the overall fight against opioids. The D.A.R.E. program, which formerly operated on a “scare-them-straight” model, now stresses lifestyle choices, and making good choices, and there are now thoughts of expanding the program into the upper grades to help enforce the message as students grow older.
Earlier this year, when the county Board of Supervisors adopted the Opioid Epidemic Response plan, I stated my hope is to see New York State come through with funding for 24/7 Urgent Access Centers. These centers, with a staff trained to help those afflicted with drug addiction develop an individualized plan for treatment andrecovery,can function as the local first stop for individuals that have made the decision that they need help to get through it. Ultimately, a long-term detox facility located in the county, bringing with it increased capacity for residential treatment services, would be a welcome outcome of our current efforts.
Unfortunately, there is no one magic bullet solution to this epidemic. As the county coordinates and maximizes its resources, all hands are on deck to address this scourge. We will not consider our work done until everyone who has fallen victim to opioid abusereceives the help he or she needs.