ALLEGANY COUNTY HEROIN & OPIOID ABUSE AD HOC COMMITTEE
April 13, 2017
NOT APPROVED
Committee Members Present: J. Hopkins (Chairman), M. Biddle,
A. Bucholz, M. Chamberlain, L. Haggstrom, K. LaForge, K. Monroe, W. Penman, B.
Riehle, C. Zenoski (Absent: L. Ballengee, M. Carbone, J. Chaffee, M. Damiano,
V. Grant, C. Ivers, G. Muscato, T. O’Grady, R. Root)
Others Present: T. Boyde, H. Evans (Ardent Solutions), T.
Rodgers, M. Washer, C. Whitwood (Ardent Solutions)
Call to Order: The meeting was called to order at 1:10 p.m.
by Committee Chairman Judy Hopkins.
Approval of Minutes:
A motion was made by Undersheriff Kevin Monroe, seconded by
Mr. Chamberlain, and carried to approve the Allegany County Heroin & Opioid
Abuse Ad Hoc Committee minutes of February 9, 2017, with the correction of the
presenters name from Kyle Leslie to Kyle Wesley.
A motion was made by Legislator LaForge, seconded by Mrs.
Riehle, and carried to approve the Allegany County Heroin & Opioid Abuse Ad
Hoc Committee minutes of March 9, 2017.
Welcome/Introduction:
Chairman Hopkins welcomed committee members and guests to
the meeting. Undersheriff Kevin Monroe stated there will be two pill drops on
April 29, 2017. One is located at Alfred State College Wellsville Campus from
10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m., and the other will be held at the Cuba Fire Hall from
10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. Mrs. Biddle asked if one location is more popular than
the other. Undersheriff Monroe stated the pill drop at the Jail is pretty
popular; however, they are all utilized very well. Mrs. Riehle asked if any medication
can be dropped or just narcotics. Undersheriff Monroe stated any medication can
be dropped off.
Legislator LaForge stated the Board of Legislators
appropriated $25,000 for Ardent Solutions to carry on their work with the
Ad-Hoc Committee for the next year, adding there are parameters laid out in the
contract between Allegany County and Ardent Solutions.
“Hungry Heart”
Committee Chairman Judy Hopkins stated the “Hungry Heart”
has been an ongoing project for them. They have recently discovered that the
movie is copyrighted, and there are some stipulations that have to be taken
care of before they can have a
public showing. Ms. Buchholz stated Kingdom County
Productions is requiring loyalties for the movie to be shown. Ms. Buchholz
continued that they are working through it, and will come up with some
strategies at the next prevention workgroup meeting. Undersheriff Monroe asked
if they have to pay the royalties every time the movie is shown. Ardent
Solutions Associate Director Helen Evans stated the director who owns the
rights to the movie informed them that three public viewings will cost
approximately $650. Ms. Buchholz stated they don’t want to have to charge
people at the door to view it. Undersheriff Monroe asked if they have thought
about soliciting funds. Committee Chairman Hopkins stated they are currently
working on that. Undersheriff Monroe stated as an Elks Club member he would be
willing to ask them for a donation as they are big on drug abuse prevention.
Ms. Haggstrom stated Allegany County Area Foundation has grants every three
months, and they would also be a good place to get some funds. Other service
organizations that might be willing to contribute were also mentioned.
Workgroup Meetings
Ardent Solutions Associate Director Helen Evans announced
the following dates for the workgroup meetings. All meetings will be held at
the St. Philip’s Episcopal Church Parish Hall at 12 Willets Avenue, Belmont, NY
14813.
The Heroin and Opioid Prevention Workgroup will be held
Thursday, April 27, 2017, from 8:30 a.m. to 10:00 a.m.
The Heroin and Opioid Recovery Workgroup will be held
Thursday, April 27, 2017, from 10:00 a.m. to 11:30 a.m.
The Heroin and Opioid Enforcement Workgroup will be held
Friday, April 28, 2017, from 12:30 p.m. to 2:00 p.m.
The Heroin and Opioid Treatment Workgroup will be held
Friday, April 28, 2017, from 2:30 p.m. to 4:00 p.m.
Advocacy Platforms
Committee Chairman Judy Hopkins stated as they start to look
at the advocacy platforms, they need to prioritize them in a couple of
different ways. They first need to look at the “low hanging fruit” which will
be items they can accomplish right away and are of the utmost importance in the
near future. Secondly, they need to look at what needs to be dealt with
locally, statewide, as well as federally.
Enforcement:
Medication Take-Back Programs – Advocate and secure funding
to increase the number of community based permanent pill disposal sites and add
a home-bound pill disposal program.
Ms. Evans stated there was a good discussion about the
continued support of the medication take-back programs.
Drugged-Driving Enforcement – Advocate for and secure
funding to add anti-drug efforts to traffic safety programs and road patrols.
Ms. Evans stated there was a lot of conversation around this
topic, and she has done a lot of research on these issues. Ms. Evans spoke with
colleagues from Governor’s Traffic Safety, the Department of Motor Vehicles, as
well as the Department of Transportation at the state level to see where they
are in advocacy for funds to come through for drugged driving. Currently funds are
for STOP-DWI and focus solely on alcohol. Ms. Evans continued that there is
enforcement opportunity funding through the Governor’s Traffic Safety on
specific targeted enforcement efforts; however, currently at this moment in
time, drugged driving is not a focus for these funds. Undersheriff Monroe
recommended changing the name to “Highway Interdiction” rather than “Drugged
Driving” because they need to do more than just find a drugged driver. Thy need
to find the product, as well as where it’s coming in from. Ms. Haggstrom asked
how difficult it is when you are doing DWI road patrol for officers to really
detect if the someone is drug driving. Undersheriff Monroe stated a lot of them
have it in plain sight, adding we don’t have a road patrol, so they would have
to find funding in order to get people out there for DWI road patrol. County
Administrator Tim Boyde stated we recently received a grant from Senator Young
that could be used towards highway interdiction, but the Board of Legislators
has not yet accepted the funding. Ms. Evans asked if the barrier is cost, or if
it truly is a duplication of services. Mr. Boyde stated one piece discussed is
we don’t have a road patrol, and if we do this then it looks like we are
starting one, and finding a way to get around those pieces is difficult.
Undersheriff Monroe suggested if we get the funding, we could put officers out
one weekend per quarter. Mr. Boyde stated they could do something similar to
the quarterly STOP-DWI check points. Undersheriff Monroe stated the funding is
there, they just need to get it accepted. Legislator LaForge asked if they are
required to have a Drug Recognition Officer present. Undersheriff Monroe stated
he does not believe so because there is usually enough probable cause to pull
them out and perform a sobriety test. Legislator LaForge then asked what was
being done with the anticipated legalization of marijuana in New York State,
adding that District Attorney Keith Slep stated in a recent Public Safety
meeting that the New York State District Attorney Association is working to
develop a standard regarding levels of marijuana intoxication. Mr. Penman
stated the view of marijuana is changing because of the legalization, adding
it’s no longer considered a big deal. Mr. Penman stated the potency is also
much higher compared to ten years ago. Ms. Haggstrom stated she was recently
asked if marijuana was considered a gateway drug. She responded that as long as
it continues to stay illegal the way the other drugs are, it is absolutely a
gateway drug. Ms. Haggstrom continued that marijuana has its own problem
because it stays in your system so long. There is no way to test for it like
there is for alcohol, so how would you really know if someone is under the
influence, and that presents an increasingly big problem. Committee Chairman
Hopkins stated they should consider it to be another platform for them to take
a stand on and oppose the legalization of marijuana. Undersheriff Monroe stated
he will invite District Attorney Keith Slep to their next workgroup meeting to
see where they are with this issue, and will present the results at the next
Heroin and Opioid Ad Hoc Committee meeting.
Worksite Zero-Tolerance Policy Development – Promote
drug-free work environments through policy development, improved drug-testing
procedures, and law enforcement partnerships.
Undersheriff Monroe stated Greg Muscato from Arvos is big on
this and the standards that his company goes by compared to others are far and
above the typical standards.
School Zero-Tolerance Policy Development – Promote drug-free
school environments through policy development and law enforcement
partnerships.
Ms. Evans stated there was a lot of discussion about
partnerships between law enforcement and DARE officers, as well as what
opportunities there are for school districts and law enforcement to partner in
the enforcement component. Ms. Evans continued that she and Mr. Penman also
discussed looking at school policies and how well they enforce them, as well as
how schools respond to an enforcement issue. Mr. Penman stated schools will
call and state that their policy is if someone is caught with drugs and/or
alcohol, they have to receive a certain amount of education classes before they
can participate in any afterschool programs, but they want it all done in one
day so they don’t, for example, miss a big game, adding it just can’t work that
way. Ms. Evans added they also discussed if DARE makes a big impact and does
help with prevention in the long run. Undersheriff Monroe stated Wellsville had
a great program, and the kids really bonded with Bernie Riley, adding that it
is unfortunate they no longer carry that program, because even if it saved two
or three kids, that makes it beneficial. Committee Chairman Hopkins stated she
doesn’t believe there is any school in Allegany County that currently has an
officer onsite.
Recovery:
Recovery Coaches – Advocate and secure funding for Recovery
Coaches in the local treatment delivery system.
Terrence Rodgers stated if a person goes to treatment and
comes out and goes to a halfway house or 30-day rehab, it is important for them
to have a support system in place. A recovery coach isn’t something that should
take forever to do especially because a lot of people in recovery want someone
who they can trust that has been where they are and can get the guidance they
need. Committee Chairman Hopkins asked if they were to find funding for
recovery coaches, who would be willing to become one. Mr. Rodgers stated he
believes there are already two committee members that would be more than
willing. Ms. Haggstrom asked how the program would work, and who they would be
accountable to. Mr. Penman stated a recovery coach within their licensed system
would be supervised. Ms. Haggstrom then asked if they had someone in the County
willing to do that. Mr. Penman stated a year ago they tried to find someone,
but funding and intensive training were barriers in getting any applicants. Mr.
Rodgers stated a recovery coach is having the ability and skills to help the
person in recovery, and he doesn’t necessarily believe it’s a paid position
within a government agency. Mr. Rodgers continued that he doesn’t feel those
positions are ineffective, but recovery is a lot bigger than just a trained
coach guiding someone. Mr. Penman stated ACASA relies heavily on the recovery
community, and a lot of their successes have come from the help of that
community. Ms. Haggstrom stated she likes the idea of there being
accountability for a recovery coach to protect them, and give them the support
they may need during this program. Committee Chairman Hopkins stated they also
would need to limit the number of people the coach takes on, as well as making
sure there is a good structure to it because she foresees it continuing to
grow. Ms. Evans reminded the committee that Ardent Solutions applied for a
United Way grant that will allocate funds towards recovery coaches. Legislator
LaForge asked what they would be looking at for the annual cost of a recovery
coach. Mr. Penman stated when they were looking to hire two part-time recovery
coaches, it was around $45,000 a year for both ($15.00 per hour). Ms. Evans
stated there is a grant through AmeriCorps that allows them to hire individuals
to work within heroin and opioid.
Recover Supports – Promote and support local services that
address basic needs and self-help groups.
Certified Recovery Homes – Advocate and secure funding for
certified emergency and transitional housing programs for individuals leaving
treatment referred to as Certified Recovery Homes.
Enrich Social and Recreational Opportunities – Advocate for
enriching social and recreational opportunities for those in recovery.
Mr. Penman stated several years ago PPAC put together a
concept on how to have a community center that was alcohol free, but it didn’t
work out because alcohol is a money maker, and it’s a hard thing to do to
convince people not to have it for a family activity. Committee Chairman
Hopkins stressed the need for a place for people to go for activities where
there are no drugs and alcohol. Mr. Rodgers agreed with the need for a drug and
alcohol free center, adding Friday and Saturday are the most important nights for
a person in recovery to have a place that is safe, and doesn’t think it would
be that much money a month to have a clean clubhouse in the community. Mr.
Rodgers continued that recovery can be a lonely road because you walk away from
the people that you’ve known and used with, but that doesn’t mean a person in
recovery shouldn’t or doesn’t want to have a place to go and watch a game with
a recovery friend. Committee Chairman Hopkins added it should also be a place
for anyone, not just those in recovery. Pastor Mark Chamberlain stated they
specifically chose Friday night for their celebrate recovery group because that
is a night full of temptation for individuals in recovery. Committee Chairman
Hopkins encouraged the prevention workgroup to look at this idea and decide
what kind of additional information is needed. There was discussion regarding
prioritizing the advocacy platforms, and ad-hoc committee members came to
agreement that all are a high priority, with some more doable than others. The
remaining advocacy platforms, treatment and prevention, were unable to be
discussed, but will be reviewed at the next Heroin & Opioid Ad-Hoc
Committee meeting.
STOP-DWI NY Regional Training Opportunity
Committee Chairman Hopkins announced a STOP-DWI NY Regional
Training Opportunity called “High in Plain Sight,” that will be held on
Tuesday, July 11, 2017, from 8:30 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. at the Kerr-Pegula Athletic
Complex Fieldhouse at Houghton College. The training is a comprehensive course
on the latest alcohol and drug use trends. The presentation covers alcohol and
drug clothing, alcoholic energy drinks, alcopops, alcohol and drug concealment
methods and containers, drug paraphernalia, drug related music and groups,
logos, stickers, new technology, youth party tendencies, party games,
non-traditional alcoholic beverages, social networking sites, synthetic drugs,
OTC drugs, inhalants, concentrates, E-cigarettes, and popular party drugs. This
training qualifies for six hours of CASAC credit. The training will feature
Officer Jermaine Galloway, a retired police officer who, during his career,
specialized in alcohol retail compliance checks, underage drinking party
enforcement, fake ID training, drug identification, and DWI enforcement.
Next Meeting:
The next meeting will be Thursday, May 11, 2017, at 1:00
p.m. in the Legislative Chambers.
Adjournment
There being no further business to come before the
committee, the meeting was adjourned at 2:40 p.m. following a motion by
Legislator LaForge, seconded by Ms. Haggstrom, and carried.
Respectfully submitted,
Meghan Washer, Secretary to Clerk of the Board
Allegany County Board of Legislators
