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SARATOGA SPRINGS – It’s a festive time of year.

12.09.14

Tuesday, December 9, 2014

Featured on: WNYT

Story by: Mark Mulholland

Link to coverage can be found here: http://wnyt.com/article/stories/S3643033.shtml

 

SARATOGA SPRINGS – It’s a festive time of year.

Family reunions, Christmas gatherings and parties.

And they almost always involve alcohol.

And they sometimes involve driving after.

Law enforcement and prevention experts say they’re not opposed to people sharing in holiday cheer, but those cocktails shouldn’t be mixed with getting behind the wheel.

“If you drink and drive, you put yourselves and others at risk,” said Warren County District Attorney Kate Hogan. “Even if you don’t hurt anyone, it’s going to have a huge impact on your insurance and your driving privileges. It is something everyone can avoid.”

Hogan says one of the worst parts of her job is talking to families of those killed by a drunken, drugged or distracted driver. Telling them that no prison sentence will bring their loved one back.

There’s a new campaign underway to get the harsh consequences of drunken and drugged driving on the minds of the public.

Timed to coincide with National Impaired Driving Prevention Month, Saratoga Springs-based, The Prevention Council is sharing in-your-face images through Twitter and other social media.

One shows a booking fingerprint fashioned into a reindeer and reads, “Seasons greetings from your pals at the squad.” Another graphic shows a handicapped parking space and points out “Every 48 seconds, a drunk driver makes someone eligible to park here.”

“If you do choose to go out and have a drink or designate a driver, or arrange for alternate transportation,” said Kaitlin Sicke, youth specialist with The Prevention Council. “It’s a time of year when the roads aren’t dry, so the driver needs to be.”

 

D.A. Hogan is also concerned about distracted driving. That’s why she makes those ticketed for driving while on the phone attend the same victim impact panels once reserved for drunken drivers.

Police aim to crack down on DWI, distracted driving during holidays

12.04.14

 

Tuesday, November 18, 2014

Featured in: The Daily Gazette

Story by: Stephen Williams

 

Link to article can be found here: http://www.dailygazette.com/news/2014/nov/18/1118_DWIpatrols/?print

 

SARATOGA COUNTY — There will be extra police patrols looking for drunken or drugged driving across the county at Thanksgiving and also over a three-week “holiday” period in December, Saratoga County law-enforcement officials said Monday.

The county STOP-DWI program will pay overtime to put extra patrols on the road in Saratoga Springs and elsewhere from Nov. 26-30, and then at times from Dec. 12 through Jan. 1.

Police will be looking for drunken or drug-impaired drivers, but also just providing an increased police presence on the streets, said county STOP-DWI Coordinator Robert Murphy.

“We feel that during the holiday season many people come visiting, shopping. It’s a busy time,” he said after Monday’s meeting of the county Traffic Safety Committee in Ballston Spa. “A lot of people from out of town come here.”

The Thanksgiving weekend is generally a busy time for bars and restaurants, with college students visiting home and other social gatherings where alcohol may be consumed. Similarly, the holiday-party season associated with Christmas and New Year’s Eve starts early in December, officials have noted in the past.

This year, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration is planning a “Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over” advertising campaign for Dec. 12 through Jan. 1, and encouraging all states to participate.

The NHTSA says it aims its campaign at 18- to 34-year-old males, which research shows is the demographic most likely to drive drunk.

The Prevention Council of Saratoga Springs, a private drug and alcohol abuse prevention organization, is planning a social media campaign during December, said Robin Lyle, the council’s coalition development director.

 

In New York, the money for additional police patrols comes from STOP-DWI funds, which come from fines collected from people convicted of drunken driving offenses.

State police are also planning DWI checkpoints for New Year’s Eve and assigning unmarked vehicles to enforcement of DWI and distracted driving laws during the holiday period. Distracted driving covers the use of cellphones or texting while driving.

Murphy said the county police agencies will decide in early December when and where to have DWI checkpoints around the holidays.

Much of the activity is likely to take place in and around Saratoga Springs, with its concentration of nightlife that attracts people from all over the Capital Region.

The last county-supported DWI crackdown was over the Halloween weekend. Saratoga Springs police made five DWI arrests that weekend, said city traffic enforcement coordinator Sgt. Andrew Prestigiacomo.

SARATOGA COALITIONS LAUNCH SOCIAL MEDIA CAMPAIGN TO HIGHLIGHT NATIONAL DRUNK AND DRUGGED DRIVING PREVENTION (3-D) MONTH.

12.02.14

Saratoga, N.Y.—December 1, 2014:  Nearly 12,000 people die every year in alcohol and drug-related crashes, one person dead every 53 minutes and one person injured every two minutes. Impaired driving is not just a problem for law enforcement, courts or victims. When impaired drivers take to the road, they not only put themselves at risk, they also put the public’s safety in jeopardy. Beginning in December three Prevention Council supported coalitions will kick off a Twitter based drunk and drugged driving awareness campaign to educate about these dangers.

The campaign will use a comprehensive multi-media approach, compelling facts, and vivid imagery to educate about the risks of impaired driving.  In addition to Twitter, other social media platforms like Facebook and Instagram will drive messaging to create awareness and to engage conversations with various age groups about the issue. Coalition Coordinator for the Community Coalition for Family Wellness, Jenn Wood shared “Our goal is to reach as many people, in as many ways as possible, with reminders about driver safety.  With holiday traveling and celebrations, this is a key time get the word out about impaired driving.”

While much has been done with alcohol impaired and distracted driving, drugged driving is an often overlooked issue, especially among teens and young adults. Conservative estimates show that 20% of crashes in the U.S. are caused by drugged driving. This translates into about 6,761 deaths, 440,000 injuries and $59.9 billion in costs each year.  “Police are seeing increasing numbers of drugged drivers – drivers under the influence of marijuana, prescription drugs, and cocaine.  These drugs slow down a motorist’s reaction time, negatively affect coordination and can have a deadly impact out on the roads.  Even legally prescribed drugs can be unsafe when operating a vehicle” Said Robin Lyle, Coalition Development Director at the Prevention Council.

To receive and share these important prevention messages follow them at:

South Glens Falls- Community Coalition for Family Wellness

@CCFWsgf

Shenedehowa Community Coalition

@ShenStrengthNum

Saratoga Partnership for Prevention

@TogaTrue

Saratoga Springs Police Department’s Prescription Drug Drop Box

11.25.14

November 25, 2014

The Saratoga Springs Police Department is pleased to announce the installation of a secure prescription drug drop-off box in the lobby of the police station. The Police Department and the Prevention Council have worked together for the past several years on the bi-annual Drug Take Back Days.  The installation of the drop box is an extension of those efforts.

Some of the concerns put forth from our citizens have been what to do with unused, unwanted, and/or expired prescription drugs. It often seems these prescription drugs end up in the wrong place when not dealt with in a timely manner. This may be in the hands of criminals or, in other cases, in the hands of abusers. Too often these abusers are teens, family members or friends.

While the DEA sponsors a twice-a-year prescription drug take back, our hope is that the drop-off box will give our community another option should the need arise. The Saratoga Springs Police Department has participated in the DEA events for numerous years and will continue to participate in the future.

Saratoga Springs Chief of Police Greg Veitch said, “We are happy to partner with the Prevention Council on the installation of the prescription drug drop off box.  The drop-off box allows anyone to dispose of their unwanted, unused or expired medications without having to wait for a drug take-back event.  Unwanted, unused and expired medications may be dropped off at the police department twenty four hours a day, seven days per week, no questions asked.”

The secure drop-box will be available 24 hours a day and members of the police department will ensure the discarded drugs are properly destroyed.  The drop box is not intended for dangerous or toxic liquids, needles or illegal drugs. Should anyone have any questions as to what can or cannot be dropped off, please call 584-1800.

‘Changing the conversation’ about alcohol, drug treatment

11.24.14

November 24, 2014

Story by: Meg Hagerty

 Featured in: The Post-Star

 Link to article can be found here: http://poststar.com/news/local/changing-the-conversation-about-alcohol-drug-treatment/article_1dd36736-734f-11e4-a16a-efc3581c747d.html

 

An area grass-roots effort is underway to help erase the stigma surrounding alcohol and drug addiction.

Since July, supporters of RAIS, Recovery Advocacy In Saratoga, have been meeting in hopes of becoming a community resource for individuals and families in recovery. The belief is that, by “changing the conversation” about recovery, addicts will be more likely to achieve long-term success, and others will be encouraged to pursue recovery.

Robert Lindsey, a volunteer who has spent his career in alcoholism and addiction counseling, said much of the media coverage focuses on the “drama and chaos” of the Lindsay Lohans and Philip Seymour Hoffmans of the world, and less on the 23 million people who are living life in recovery and functioning well.

“They’re doctors, lawyers, nurses, teachers, pilots, pastors. The reality is alcoholism and addiction is like other chronic illnesses like cancer and diabetes. We’re talking chronic, progressive, fatal if untreated and genetically predisposed,” Lindsey said. “There is no one who set out to become addicted but, plain and simple biochemically, some people’s bodies respond differently to the effects of alcohol and other drugs, just like the diabetic.”

RAIS formed after a volunteer, who has since left to attend college, presented “The Anonymous People,” a documentary about the development of recovery community centers (RCCs) for individuals and their families that offer education, support and resources, while also helping to change the public’s perception of those in recovery.

The film discusses the fact that people who have participated in such support groups as Alcoholics Anonymous, Narcotics Anonymous, Alanon and Naranon have lived their lives in recovery very quietly. Consequently, friends and family didn’t know about it. Now, however, people are being encouraged to talk about their recovery and help to change the public’s understanding of the issues.

RAIS, which is sponsored by Prevention Council of Saratoga County, has consistently drawn about 15 to its monthly meetings, including people in recovery, friends and family of those in recovery and professionals in the addiction field.

Jacob Weakland, 29, has struggled with a substance abuse disorder for half his life and said it’s time to shine a positive light on people in long-term recovery.

“Right now, especially the statistics back this up, somebody would rather have a neighbor that was in prison for a violent crime than was a drug addict. You were perceived as a moral failure. It didn’t matter if you were an outstanding member of society,” Weakland said. “There are many people in long-term recovery who are living by a set of principles but they don’t come out due to this stigma. They don’t tell their stories or share them.”

 

Lindsey said a primary mission of the group is to identify the most significant needs in the community and put together a plan of action to address those issues. He anticipates there will be a need for an RCC where individuals and families in recovery can gain support and resources, as well as information on job searches and training.

Likewise, the organization also plans to advocate for expanding access to recovery and treatment support services by working with elected officials.

“The reality, regrettably, is less than 10 percent of the people who need treatment get it. In many cases, insurance doesn’t provide access to treatment. In many cases, people need sober housing and it isn’t available,” Lindsey said.

Julie Brennan of Mechanicville became involved with RAIS because she has a 23-year-old son who is in recovery from an addiction to cocaine and heroin. She recently donated lime green plastic wristbands with the slogan “‘RAIS’ Our Voices’” that she wants volunteers to distribute to help raise awareness about the group.

“One day everybody’s going to be talking about it. I just want to see the day when we have a fundraiser – golf tournaments or these huge galas – for addiction recovery. It’s so incredibly wonderful that they’re all over this country for breast cancer and diabetes and leukemia. I want it to say addiction recovery because these kids are just as important,” Brennan said.

Janine Stuchin, executive director of the Prevention Council of Saratoga County, said RAIS is progressing “tremendously” for having gone from an idea a few months ago to a group with planned sub committees and an agenda.

“What I love about this group is its rawness and authenticity. Nobody is there for a pay check, nobody is there for the glory. We’re all there to make a difference,” Stuchin said.

 

Community Coalition for Family Wellness Hosts Parent University Forum titled “Marijuana, What’s the Big Deal?” held South Glens Falls High School

11.02.14

October 30, 2014

Story by: Michael Goot

Featured in: The Post-Star

 Link to article can be found here: http://poststar.com/news/local/a-dose-of-reality-south-high-panel-talks-about-prevalence/article_6da880f6-607c-11e4-96c7-976bda4eac09.html

 

MOREAU — South Glens Falls High School students are smoking marijuana at sporting events, behind the elementary school after hours and even during lunch, say a panel of their peers.

Senior Teyler Nassivera said some students have put marijuana into e-cigarettes and taken a video of themselves smoking in the lunch line that they post on the social media site Snapchat.

“I know people who have snuck it to school. I know people who are using it for stress-relievers,” she said Wednesday at a Parent University Forum titled “Marijuana, What’s the Big Deal?” held at the high school.

About 40 people attended the event organized by the Community Coalition for Family Wellness, which is a group working to reduce youth substance abuse and risky behaviors and provide necessary resources to families. The forum featured students and representatives from the law enforcement and substance abuse treatment communities.

One in four South High juniors and seniors admitted smoking marijuana within the past 30 days, according to a survey of about 1,150 seventh-grade through 12th-grade students administered this past spring.

Jenn Wood, coalition coordinator, said school officials are concerned about the large numbers, particularly at the eighth-grade level where the percentage who admitted smoking within the past month went from 5 percent in the 2011 survey to 8 percent in 2014.

Wood said although the survey did not show a lot of cocaine or heroin use among students, there is a relationship between marijuana and harder drugs, according to the data.

“Those who end up using cocaine or heroin have a much greater chance of having starting with something like alcohol, marijuana or tobacco,” she said.

Teens have various hangouts where they can smoke pot, according to Nassivera.

“A lot of people go over to Tanglewood (Elementary) and smoke on the property late at night,” she said.

Nassivera said she has been pressured in the past by friends and teammates, but has resisted.

“They always used to try to coax me into doing it. ‘Come on, it doesn’t really matter.’ After a while, they realize I’m not into that,” she said.

Nassivera said she doesn’t want to get mixed up with illegal substances because she wants to achieve her goals and set a good example for her younger sibling.

Nassivera has heard that some parents have allowed supervised parties where youths are allowed to drink and smoke pot.

Freshman Brianna Harrington said some parents think marijuana is no big deal.

“If the parents aren’t being serious at home, the child isn’t going to take it seriously,” she said.

Junior Brittany Kenny said even if law enforcement were to crack down on teen drug use, students would find another place to do it.

She urged parents and students to watch out for warning signs that students may be using drugs, including being more closed off than before.

“They don’t want to talk to you as much as they would have. They’re keeping more of their emotions to themselves because they’re dealing with it,” she said.

Kenny said the transitions from elementary to middle school and from middle school to high school seem to be the times when students are most susceptible to peer pressure. They may drop their old friends and start hanging out with a new group.

Junior Jake Kerr said students who are doing drugs may start acting and dressing differently.

“They go from dressing all preppy to wearing Bob Marley ‘stay trippin’ shirts,” he said.

Alcohol is also used frequently by some students, according to Kerr.

“A lot of people just drink all the time and think nothing of it,” he said. “Just every weekend, get wasted, whatever.”

Effect on brain

Bill Bean, program manager for St. Peter’s Recovery Center, said around the age of 12 and 13 seems to be the time when addicts say they first smoked marijuana.

Bean said young people’s brains are still developing during the high school years, so there is a risk with introducing marijuana. The drug collects in the fatty tissue between nerves in the body and it is difficult to gauge the effect on that.

Saratoga County Assistant District County John Leggett said there is the perception that marijuana is not treated as seriously as other drug offenses. While that is true to some extent, marijuana is still illegal in New York and Leggett said people are convicted of felonies quite frequently.

Law enforcement punishes a seller more harshly, according to Leggett.

“We view them as a person who looks to take advantage of other people, looks to profit from their habit or addiction,” he said. “We hope to seal off that supply and make it harder for people to obtain those drugs.”

Police and the district attorney’s office are more interested in seeking rehabilitation for people caught with marijuana, according to Leggett. However, they are concerned that marijuana use could contribute to other crimes.

“There could be a nexus, or connection, between marijuana use and a person’s propensity to commit property crimes in order to obtain funds to purchase drugs to feed their habit or addiction,” he said.

The county sees a lot of cases of driving under the influence of drugs, according to Leggett.

Saratoga County Sheriff’s Deputy Nic Denno said the most common marijuana-related offense that people are charged with is a violation of unlawful possession.

Most studies show that marijuana slows reaction time and impairs coordination as much as if someone were under the influence of alcohol.

Staying connected

School officials said it is important to stress to students that not everyone is doing drugs.

Students said there are positive activities to get involved with at the school. One school club called Sources of Strength stresses positive friends, family support, spirituality, generosity, mental health, medical access, mentors and physical activity.

Wood said it is important that students be as informed as possible.

“We’re not looking to tell people what to do and what not to do. We’re really looking to share information,” she said.

Kenny encouraged parents to talk to their children.

“We may not like the answer because we’re hard-headed and invincible and think nothing bad can happen,” he said.

 

Synthetic drug use a rising issue

10.10.14

October 8, 2014

Story by: Lauren Halligan

Featured in: Saratogian

Full article: http://www.saratogian.com/lifestyle/20141008/synthetic-drug-use-a-rising-issue

Synthetic forms of a traditionally naturally grown drug are popping up around the country, and drug enforcement agencies are being accused of not keeping up with regulation.

Synthetic marijuana-like drugs , also known as “K2,” “Spice,” and “Skunk,” though banned from New York sale, are still an issue, as ER visit statistics show.

Synthetic drugs are a toxic combination of chemicals made to mimic 9-tetrahydrocannabinol, known as THC, the main psychoactive ingredient of marijuana. These drugs, not tested for safety, are often made to seem inviting and harmless, sold under names like “plant good,” “incense,” or “spice.”

According to the Congressional Research Service, the effects of synthetic drugs ranges from nausea to drug-induced psychosis, making the harmful nature of the drugs unpredictable and making them unsafe for consumption.

Though the Federal Drug Enforcement Agency (DEA) has banned certain ingredients of the drugs nationwide, they’ve only hit 20 of the hundreds of chemical substances used in the synthetic blends. New combinations are pop up frequently and are legal until federal government acts on it.

The DEA is currently investigating approximately 300 of these compounds, which have been found in synthetic drugs across the country, but the it has yet to add the majority of them to the list of controlled substances.

Despite efforts to limit synthetic drugs, synthetic marijuana and other hazardous drug-like products are still being sold online and on store shelves throughout the state.

Senator Charles Schumer is urging the DEA to swiftly ban the hundreds of remaining chemicals to its list of controlled substances.To help, he’s pushing a bill that should make the process easier. Schumer will push for new legislation that would make it easier to crack down on even newer synthetic chemical compounds that are likely to emerge in coming years.

The Protecting Our Youth from Dangerous Synthetic Drugs Act that Schumer and Senator Dianne Feinstein are cosponsoring would make it illegal to import controlled substance analogues—or alternative hazardous synthetic drugs — for human consumption and establish an inter-agency committee of scientists and the DEA that is responsible for the establishment and maintenance of an administrative list of controlled substance analogues.

As the bill’s title explains, Schumer’s main reason behind this legislation is to keep the drugs from children, and keep those kids out of hospitals. The New York City Department of Health and Mental Hygiene reported that synthetic marijuana-related emergency room visits were up 220 percent in the first half of 2014. The synthetic drugs can lead to seizures, hallucinations, high blood pressure, rapid heart rate, and panic attacks, as well as dangerous and erratic behavior.

“Despite efforts to crack down on synthetic drugs, the massive 220 percent uptick in ER visits this year shows that these horrible chemical compounds are far from being in the rear-view mirror,” said Schumer in a press release. “Statistics show that synthetic drug use is on an upswing, and that is largely because synthetic drug makers are skirting around restrictions and developing new, dangerous chemical compounds that are not yet regulated. And the kicker is that the federal Drug Enforcement Agency has every bit of authority to wipe out hundreds more chemical substances used to make synthetic marijuana, like “K2” and “Spice”. As a result, more and more kids in Upstate New York are ending up in the emergency room, and it is time for federal law to catch up.”

“This foot-dragging allows makers of “Spice” “K2” and others to work around the law, and simply use chemicals that are not yet banned,” a press release from Schumer’s office said.

In 2012, Schumer helped pass legislation that gave the DEA enhanced authority to ban new synthetic drugs, but they have only banned approximately 20 out of 300 of the chemicals.

Between the years 2009 and 2012, synthetic drug abuse was on the rise and the Synthetic Drug Abuse Prevention Act of 2012 banned many forms of these chemicals and enhanced DEA authority to ban new ones that emerge. Congress used its legislative authority to place over 20 chemical compounds that had been used in synthetic marijuana and other synthetic drugs into Schedule I of the Controlled Substances Act (CSA), the classification for the most dangerous drugs. The legislation also gave DEA enhanced authority to temporarily place uncontrolled substances that pose an imminent hazard to public safety, like these synthetic chemicals, into Schedule I of the CSA.

After passing the Synthetic Drug Abuse Prevention Act, synthetic drug usage initially declined. However, according to data from the American Association of Poison Control Centers, synthetic drug use is back on the rise again in 2014, with human exposures this year projected to far outpace the number of exposures in 2013.

By order of the commissioner of the state dept. of health, all stores selling tobacco-related products were inspected for synthetic drugs in 2012.

In Rensselaer County there were four or five locations where it was found for sale, according to MaryFran Wachunas, public health director for the county. The stores in violation were informed them they could no longer sell those products, and authorities checked up to make sure the substances did not reappear at a later date.

Though the public health department hasn’t seen many calls on synthetic drugs as of late, Wachunas said it would be a positive step if federal government became more involved. With new forms continually popping up, “Federal regulation would encompass all variations of it,” she noted.

As coordinator of the Rensselaer County Stop-DWI Program, James Gordon said he hasn’t heard of issues in the county lately, but “One instance of someone using it, thats’ still too much.”

Many local smoke shops reported that they do not sell the substances, whether legal or illegal blends.

But when something is legal, it can be sold as easily as a candy bar at a corner store. “They were selling it right out front on the racks where they’re selling all of the other paraphernalia,” Gordon recalled of the 2012 inspections.

Saratoga County Sheriff’s Office said it hasn’t yet seen any synthetic marijuana, but it has encountered and dealt with similar substances such as bath salts and synthetic heroin

State wide campaign to address heroin and prescription Opioid Use

10.09.14

Governor Andrew M. Cuomo today launched “Combat Heroin,” a campaign designed to inform and educate New Yorkers about the risks of heroin and prescription opioid use, the signs of addiction, and the resources available to help.

“Heroin and opioid addiction has impacted families in every corner of our state and stolen the lives of too many New Yorkers – but today we’re taking another step forward in the fight against this serious epidemic,” Governor Cuomo said. “The Combat Heroin campaign will get the word out about the dangers of this illegal drug use, as well as the treatment and support services that are available to those who need help. Just like this year’s new law that expanded access to treatment and anti-overdose medication, this campaign is comprehensive and designed to save lives. I urge anyone who knows someone in need of help to reach out today.”

Heroin and opioid abuse have become an alarming problem in communities across New York State and the nation. In 2013, there were 89,269 admissions for heroin and prescription opioid abuse treatment in New York State alone, an increase from 63,793 in 2004. During this same time period, New Yorkers ages 18 to 24 had the largest increase in such admissions. Nationally, nearly half a million people were reportedly abusing heroin or suffering from heroin dependence in 2012.

In June 2014, Governor Cuomo signed into law a legislative package to combat this epidemic. The package included insurance reforms, new models of care to divert people into community-based treatment and to support people after they have completed treatment, allowing parents to seek assessment of their children through the PINS diversion services, and expansion of opioid overdose training and increased availability to naloxone, a medication which reverses an opioid overdose.

A critical element of the legislative package requires the New York State Office of Alcoholism and Substance Abuse Services to develop and implement a public awareness and education campaign. The Office of Alcoholism and Substance Abuse Services, the NYS Department of Health, and the NYS Office of General Services’ Media Services Center have worked together to create a multifaceted media campaign which includes a new website that is easy to navigate and is targeted toward parents, adults, and young people who are seeking help and information concerning heroin and opioid abuse and misuse.

The website, which can be found at this link: http://combatheroin.ny.gov/, includes information about warning signs of heroin and opioid abuse and misuse, access to Office of Alcoholism and Substance Abuse Services treatment providers, and guidance to help parents talk to their children and healthcare professionals talk with their patients. The campaign also includes four public service announcements and video messages, available on the above-linked website, from New Yorkers talking about the impact of heroin and other opioids on their lives.

In addition to the Combat Heroin campaign, other initiatives being implemented include:

  • SUNY and CUNY will promote the Combat Heroin campaign on college campuses and train campus police and emergency personnel on the use of naloxone.
  • The 12 Office of Alcoholism and Substance Abuse Services Addiction Treatment Centers will continue to train New Yorkers on the use of naloxone. Addiction Treatment Center staff has already trained more than 3,200 people.
  • Expand naloxone training for first responders including police officers, firefighters, sheriffs’ deputies and emergency services. Approximately 1,100 law enforcement officers have already received the life-saving training.
  • Working with community providers to train persons throughout New York State likely to witness an overdose, including professional staff, drug users and their families on overdose prevention and the use of naloxone. To date, over 170 agencies have been enrolled, 15,000 persons trained, and in excess of 1,000 overdoses reversed.
  • Create more prescription medication disposal sites across the state for New Yorker’s to safely dispose of prescription medications. Department of Health has established a statewide medication drop box program. Drop boxes are also available year round at State Police Troop Headquarters in Batavia, Unadilla, Canandaigua, Latham, East Farmingdale, Ray Brook, Oneida, Middletown and Salt Point.

People or families who need help with substance abuse can call the toll-free Office of Alcoholism and Substance Abuse Services HOPEline at 1-877-846-7369 to speak with a trained medical professional. HOPEline staff can answer questions and help people find treatment 24 hours a day, seven days a week. All calls are confidential.

To help combat heroin and prescription opioid abuse and misuse, visit www.combatheroin.ny.gov (#CombatHeroin).

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