It is no secret that Sullivan County has a big drug epidemic. Tragically we are seeing a high number of deaths this year related to the Opioid Crises that is sweeping across our Nation.
Our elected officials, law enforcement, schools, and many community organizations are waging a war to combat the illegal drug epidemic that is hitting Sullivan County hard.
Nancy McGraw, Sullivan County’s Public Health Director, has been in the forefront in waging the war to prevent and stop illegal drug use. Recently, Sullivan County hosted an all-day event at Bethel Woods on the topic.
The statistics are extremely upsetting, and to win this war we must begin with our youth. Most addicts start before they reach 21, and usually begin with painkillers and end up with shooting heroin.
Both of Sullivan County’s State representatives, State Senator John Bonacic and Assemblywoman Aileen Gunther spoke at the conference about how they are working in Albany to bring programs to Sullivan County to fight illegal drug use.
Discussing the conference with me, McGraw said, “The conference was a truly inspirational event. Not only did we achieve our goals of informing and educating the community about the disease of addiction, we were able to provide comprehensive resources and practical information to over 150 individuals who attended. The diversity of those in attendance ranged from professionals in the healthcare and mental health system, substance use treatment, school officials and educators, community leaders, law enforcement, faith-based organizations, everyday and concerned citizens. The event highlighted that we have accomplished a great deal as a county in addressing substance abuse and mental health, but we also acknowledge that we have a long way to go to improve access to care.”
McGraw added, “The collaboration that has taken place over the past few years to address these issues is truly incredible. However, one life lost is one too many. There have been more than 20 deaths already this year. Together we are tackling the very heartbreaking and difficult challenges of drug overdoses that are impacting so many people, regardless of socioeconomic status, age, gender or race. In addition, the more we can do to address prevention and the root causes that often lead to addiction as a society, the better off we will be. Going forward, we will continue to be the catalyst for change by bringing resources and people together to make a real difference.”
Legislator Nadia Rajsz who heads the Health and Family Services Committee said, “The conference very much demonstrated what we’re trying to accomplish every day in Sullivan County: helping our residents and constituents lead healthier, better lives. As Chair of the Health and Family Services Committee, and as a medical professional, educator, mom and grandma, I deeply care about this community and its health and wellness. We cannot and will not turn a blind eye to drug abuse, and we will approach addicts with a compassion that is both sensitive to their situations and firm in the goal of reducing narcotics dependency throughout the County.”
Sullivan County Legislature Chairman Luis Alvarez told me, “As a retired cop, I’ve personally seen the devastation visited upon drug abusers and their loved ones. But simply blaming them for their predicament, or ignoring the issues which led them to addiction, is guaranteeing this nationwide problem will grow in cost, scope and community destruction. That’s why conferences like these are so important – not just to talk about the situation, but to figure out what to DO about the situation. And thanks to the speakers and participants on October 11, we came away with new ideas and new methods to aggressively address opioid abuse.”
“Tackling the opioid crisis in Sullivan County is a top priority for County government, not just in Public Health Services but the entire Division of Health and Family Services, along with 911, the Coroners, the District Attorney’s Office, Veterans Service Agency, Office for the Aging, Probation, the Legislature and the County Manager’s Office. This is an issue which encompasses the entire quality of life for County residents and visitors, and it is as much a public health emergency as it is a law enforcement concern.”
County Manager Josh Potosek discussing Sullivan County’s commitment to fight drug abuse said, “Tackling the opioid crisis in Sullivan County is a top priority for County government, not just in Public Health Services but the entire Division of Health and Family Services, along with 911, the Coroners, the District Attorney’s Office, Veterans Service Agency, Office for the Aging, Probation, the Legislature and the County Manager’s Office. This is an issue which encompasses the entire quality of life for County residents and visitors, and it is as much a public health emergency as it is a law enforcement concern.”
Bill Liblick has made a name for himself of National TV Talk Shows where he spouted his outspoken views from the front row. Now he offers you his opinion every week in the “MOUTH THAT ROARS” Column in the Sullivan County Post