ALLEGANY COUNTY HEROIN & OPIOID ABUSE AD HOC COMMITTEE
February 1, 2018
NOT APPROVED
Committee Members Present: J. Hopkins (Chairman), M. Biddle,
J. Chaffee, V. Grant, G. Muscato, W. Penman, B. Riehle, R. Root, C. Zenoski
(Absent: L. Ballengee, A. Buchholz, M. Carbone, M. Chamberlain, L. Haggstrom, C.
Ivers, K. LaForge, K. Monroe, T. O’Grady)
Others Present: A. Jones, C. Jones, S. Markajani, C. Mastin,
T. Rodgers, R. Starks, P. Stockin, M. Washer, R. Whitney, C. Whitwood
Media Present: K. Kellogg – Olean Times Herald
Call to Order: The meeting was called to order at 1:02 p.m.
by Ad Hoc Committee Chair Judy Hopkins.
Approval of Minutes
The November 9, 2017, Heroin & Opioid Ad Hoc Committee
minutes were approved on a motion made by Mr. Penman, seconded by Mr. Root, and
carried. Committee Chair Hopkins stated at the last meeting we talked about the
prevalence of heroin and opioids in certain populations and how much we see it
in our young population, adding that while it was stated that the 18 to 21 age
population experiences a great issue with tobacco and alcohol, heroin and
opioid addiction is still a huge issue for the 19 to 35 age population. William
Penman stated that the most recent risk and protective survey done in February
2017 showed the percentage of high school kids using heroin and/or opioids
under 1 percent; therefore, in high schools, the numbers are very small. Mr.
Penman noted that Committee Chair Hopkins is correct in stating the issue lies
within the 19-35 age range. Ravo Root supported Mr. Penman’s comments stating
that tobacco and alcohol are the more prevalent drugs, adding that he
appreciates New York State working to educate our youth as well as our
community because it gives us the opportunity to intervene and keep them away
from these drugs. Committee Chair Hopkins stated we are seeing a consistency in
statistics that state tobacco and alcohol are gateway drugs that lead to more
serious and dangerous drugs. Terrence Rodgers stated that while it’s good news
that our numbers are low for high school kids, the percentage of students who
are addicted is still important.
"Voices of Allegany County"
Committee Chair Hopkins stated the Cuba, NY, showing went
very well, and they plan to hold the next showing in Fillmore, NY.
2018-2019 Heroin & Opioid Ad Hoc Strategic Sharpening
Plan
Ardent Solutions Executive Director Carrie Whitwood thanked
all who attended the meeting to go over the 2018-2019 Heroin & Opioid Ad
Hoc Strategic Sharpening Plan. Ms. Whitwood discussed some minor changes that
were made to the plan. The committee discussed some minor changes that were
going to be made to the plan. Committee Chair Hopkins stated that our contract
with Ardent Solutions, who has been our facilitator, ends on March 26, and the County
is looking into developing a plan that will sustain the efforts of the heroin
and opioid taskforce. Mr. Rodgers expressed concern that the Ad Hoc Committee
is being dissolved after the contract expires. Mr. Rodgers continued that there
are a lot people falling through the cracks and with addiction being
generational, we need to think about the mothers and fathers struggling right
now because their children are who will struggle next. Mr. Rodgers went on to
say it’s vital we continue to do this, and he hopes we can continue to take it
seriously and not lose our momentum or all of the hard work we have done.
Committee Chair Hopkins stated this work, as well as the support of our Legislature
will continue, and this issue is not being dropped by any means. Dr. Root
affirmed Mr. Rodgers’ concerns and stated they have seen a gradual increase in
students experiencing trauma, and next year Fillmore Central School will be
hiring a full-time Social Worker to help combat this issue.
The committee read through and discussed the following
strategic priorities laid out in the plan:
Strategic Priority 1:
To continuously reassess administrative structures to keep pace with changes in
the environment while providing a sound infrastructure that supports the
operation of the initiatives and to ensure sustainability of local efforts to
address the heroin and opioid crisis.
Strategic Priority 2:
To build a strong, dedicated workforce of professionals representing all
sectors that can directly impact the heroin and opioid crisis in Allegany
County through increased professional development training, skill building, and
best-practice strategies. Casey Jones of Transformation Initiative stated that
the submitted draft focuses primarily on only professionals being
trauma-informed, rather than working towards having a trauma-informed community
which will educate everyone. Mr. Jones referenced several activities he has
been involved in where the focus is on the community rather than the workforce.
Mr. Rodgers suggested including survivors of trauma as part of the process
because we hear what the underlying reasons are for why they are abusing drugs,
adding it’s vital to know what has happened to them so we can help prevent them
from using again. Social Services Commissioner Vicki Grant stated it should be
looked at as "what happened to you not what’s wrong with you."
Strategic Priority 3:
To increase awareness of, and access to, primary and secondary prevention
efforts leading to a decrease in use, misuse, and abuse of heroin and opioids,
enable people who start misusing opioids to quickly quit, and expand harm
reduction practices with opioid misuse.
Strategic Priority 4:
To support long-term recovery for individuals struggling with heroin and opioid
addiction and provide resources for those impacted by a loved-one’s addiction.
Committee Chair Hopkins referred to a drug program provided in Ross County,
Ohio, through their Sheriff’s Department that offers a treatment-based
alternative to prison for low-level, non-violent offenders with substance abuse
issues. Through comprehensive supervision, random drug testing, treatment
services, frequent interaction with the judge, and immediate sanctions and
incentives, offenders are given an opportunity to turn around their lives and
become drug free. Sheriff Whitney stated they have started talking about having
a program similar to this, and have reached out to Literacy West who has space
available. It is in the very early stages, and all of the details have not been
finalized.
Tobacco 21
Jon Chaffee stated on February 12, 2018, at the Crossroads
Center they will be presenting to the Board of Legislators on Tobacco 21. They
will be discussing several different factors including tobacco rates for our
County, financial issues, and laws currently in place. There will also be a
panel to discuss tobacco and how it affects the brain. Dr. Kevin Watkins from
Cattaraugus County will be presenting on the Native Reservation issue, and
Vincent Horrigan, previous County Executive from Chautauqua County, who has 20+
years of experience with the military, will be discussing the military
exemption issue and why there should not be one. Legislator Stockin stated he
was pleased that this issue was tabled last year because there were many strong
opinions from different Board members that would have prevented this from being
passed. Committee Chair Hopkins stated that Mr. Chaffee and PPAC are taking an
excellent approach with Tobacco 21 because the education and awareness needs to
come first and then a solid decision can be made, adding that it needs to be
stressed that the state wants to see more counties passing this amendment
before the state steps in and deals with it. A motion was made by Mr. Penman,
seconded by Mrs. Grant, and carried for the Heroin & Opioid Ad Hoc
Committee to support the Tobacco 21 Legislation increasing the purchase from 18
to 21 years of age. (Abstain: J. Chaffee)
Pill Drop
Sheriff Whitney stated the next Pill Drop will be Saturday,
April 28, 2018, and the location is to be determined. Mr. Penman asked if they
have thought about putting a drop box here at the County building. Sheriff
Whitney stated they haven’t discussed that yet and he will try; however, he
does not see it happening. Sheriff Whitney continued that they are seeing a
drop in collection at the semi-annual events because of the many drop box
locations throughout the County. Mr. Chaffee added that they use the
semi-annual events to help educate where the drop boxes are located throughout
the County.
Narcan Training
Mr. Penman announced a free Narcan training that will be
held on Thursday, February 22, 2018, from 5:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. at the ACASA
Center on 2956 Airway Road, Wellsville, NY 14895. This training will teach you
how recognize and respond to an opioid overdose and how to administer Narcan.
Committee Chair Hopkins stated she has attended a training, and while she hopes
to never have to use her Narcan kit, it’s good to have the knowledge and
training.
Mission Genesee Valley
Casey Jones of Transformation Initiative announced that
Mission Genesee Valley, a coalition of Allegany County churches and Christian
organizations, have been given use of a storefront next to McDonalds in
Wellsville. Mr. Jones is chairman of the planning group for this project, and
they will be meeting every week to develop a plan. The first goal is related to
early child development with the second being distribution of resources to
those in need. Mr. Jones noted that they are not seeking to conflict with other
services or take away from what this Ad Hoc Committee is trying to accomplish.
Next Meeting
The next Heroin & Opioid Ad Hoc Committee meeting will
be held in April with the date to be determined.
Adjournment
There being no further business to come before the
committee, the meeting was adjourned at 2:38 p.m. on a motion made by Mr.
Penman, seconded by Mrs. Riehle, and carried.
Respectfully submitted,
Meghan Washer, Secretary to Clerk of the Board
Allegany County Board of Legislators
