ALLEGANY COUNTY HEROIN & OPIOID ABUSE AD HOC COMMITTEE
May 11, 2017
NOT APPROVED
Committee Members Present: J. Hopkins (Chairman), L.
Ballengee, M. Biddle, A. Bucholz, K. LaForge, B. Riehle, R. Root, (Absent: M.
Carbone, J. Chaffee, M. Chamberlain, M. Damiano, V. Grant, L. Haggstrom, C.
Ivers, K. Monroe, G. Muscato, T. O’Grady, W. Penman, C. Zenoski)
Others Present: T. Boyde, N. Brinkwart, G. Kocsis, C. Knapp,
H. Evans (Ardent Solutions), G. Miller, T. Miner, R. Starks, M. Washer
Media Present: C. Dutton, Cuba Patriot
Call to Order: The meeting was called to order at 1:10 p.m.
by Committee Chairman Judy Hopkins.
Welcome/Introduction:
Chairman Hopkins welcomed committee members and guests to
the meeting. Chairman Hopkins discussed some recent issues with sending emails
to the group, as well as the attendance of committee members. Chairman Hopkins
stated that people need to make her aware if they aren’t going to be able to
attend the meeting, and while she understands the addition of the workgroup
responsibilities may be a burden on a lot of people, something different needs
to happen as we do not have quorum for this meeting.
Legislator LaForge introduced special guest Gene Miller,
Pastor at Yorks Corners Mennonite Church. Chairman Hopkins asked if the meeting
at this church Sunday evening with various pastors had something to do with
addiction issues. Pastor Miller stated it was not primarily focused on that,
but there were twelve to fifteen different churches that came together
repenting the ways we as churches and individuals have sinned and asked for
God’s forgiveness. Pastor Miller added that it was a good event, and a way to
clear the way for God to work within our County. Chairman Hopkins stated the
group is very pleased that additional celebrate recovery groups are forming in
the County, adding Pastor Marc Chamberlain has one functioning in the Scio
Genesis Bible Church, and there is also one in the works at Houghton Wesleyan
Church.
Workgroup Meetings
Ardent Solutions Associate Director Helen Evans stated they
hosted four workgroups during the last week of April, and she distributed minutes
from each meeting. Ms. Evans announced the following dates for the next round
of workgroup meetings.
The Heroin and Opioid Prevention Workgroup will be held
Thursday, May 25, 2017, at 8:30 a.m.
The Heroin and Opioid Recovery Workgroup will be held
Thursday, May 25, 2017, at 10:00 a.m.
The Heroin and Opioid Enforcement Workgroup will be held
Friday, May 26, 2017, at 12:30 p.m.
The Heroin and Opioid Treatment Workgroup will be held
Friday, May 26, 2017, at 2:30 p.m.
All meetings will be held at the St. Philip’s Episcopal
Church Parish Hall at 12 Willets Avenue, Belmont, NY 14813.
Prevention Workgroup Meeting of April 27, 2017
Ms. Evans stated the Prevention workgroup was the first to
meet, was very active, and had an excellent opportunity for discussion on their
Tobacco 21 advocacy platform that they have chosen to move forward with. Ms.
Evans noted the workgroup did choose to support and move Tobacco 21 forward
with the following timeline:
April 2017
- Workgroup recommendation to Ad-Hoc Committee
May 2017
- Introduction of Local Law to Ad-Hoc Committee
- County Attorney review and recommendations
- Board of Health presentation
June 2017
- Board of Health Presentation
- Presentation and vote at Ad-Hoc Committee meeting
- Ways and Means Committee
- Full Board
JustTellOne.Org
Ms. Evans stated the prevention workgroup discussed an
Anti-Stigma Awareness Campaign called JustTellOne.org. JustTellOne.org’s
mission is to give Western New York youth and young adults the tools and
confidence to start the conversation about their mental health and/or
behavioral issues such as substance abuse. By helping a young person reach out
for help as early as possible, we can increase the use of intervention services
and decrease the likelihood of the issue turning into an emergency.
JustTellOne.org is a public awareness initiative led by the Mental Health
Association of Erie County, and the Erie County Council for the Prevention of
Alcohol and Substance Abuse (ECCPASA), in association with Millennium
Collaborative Care and Community Partners of WNY, with additional support from
organizations representing Niagara, Orleans, Erie, Genesee, Wyoming,
Chautauqua, Cattaraugus, and Allegany counties. Ms. Evans continued that the
committee discussed how to promote this campaign across all agencies to ensure
our youth see different strategies and know resources are available from
various organizations. Ms. Evans went on to discuss the following campaign
materials that were distributed at the workgroup meeting for review.
Two-pocket Folders – two pocket folders will be made
available for one to two school districts across Allegany County. Dr. Ravo Root
suggested reviewing ACASA Risk and Protective Factor Survey Data to determine
the best placement of these folders.
School Handbook Inserts – they will be reaching out to local
school district Superintendents to have the front and back of the folder
printed as an insert in the 2017-18 academic handbook/planner.
Mr. Boyde then asked why they are only providing the pocket
folders to two school districts. Ms. Evans stated it’s a resource issue. Mr.
Boyde continued that by only providing to two school districts and leaving some
behind, we could be creating a stigma, and asked what the whole package price
is for that project because it’s important, and he doesn’t want to see school
districts not included. Dr. Root stated he emailed an electronic version to all
school superintendents that they can include in the student’s agendas, adding
he thinks that will get more attention than the folders. Dr. Root continued
there are students that will walk around with the folders, but there are some
that don’t use a folder system, or may not think it’s cool for them, so the
more powerful advertisement is to get it into their agendas. Mr. Boyde stated
it would be great to make sure it gets out to every school district. Dr. Root
added that he did include every school in Allegany County.
Table Tent Cards – Workgroup members reviewed the
JustTellOne.org Servers of Hope Table Tent Card that the Allegany County
Suicide Prevention Coalition plans to release to restaurants and bars in June
2017. Restaurants and taverns willing to display the materials will have access
to free SafeTALK and CPR/1st Aid/AED training for employees. Chairman Hopkins
asked if these are free. Ms. Evans stated, yes, they are.
“Hungry Heart”
Ms. Evans stated Undersheriff Kevin Monroe has secured two
funding resources, and they have also received one private donation. Ms.
Haggstrom will be going to Angelica Lions and Belmont Rotary to secure funding
as well. Ms. Buchholz stated the funding will hopefully go through soon. Ms.
Buchholz recently met with Julie Tomasi, and they have started to put together
a planning board that currently holds four members; Ashley Buchholz, Julie
Tomasi, Helen Evans, and Leslie Haggstrom. Ms. Buchholz continued that they
have realized there are a lot of things that need to be put into play;
therefore, if anyone wants to help or get involved, please contact her. Their
goal before the June meeting is to have three set locations, dates, and overall
outline for the viewings. Ms. Buchholz added the viewings will be great, and
they are excited as everything comes together. Ms. Evans stated there is a need
to further the vision of “Hungry Heart” to encompass more than just the
screening of the movie. We need to bring it back to Allegany County, and help
people recognize that we may not have the resources or type of physician that
is highlighted in the video available to us at this particular point in time.
We need to look at what we do have and how we are similar as well as different
to the movie setting. Ms. Buchholz added that if anyone has any input or
thoughts on how to bring it back local to please voice them, adding they are
thinking about changing their “Hungry Heart” vision to something that is local
and will reflect something other than the title of the movie. Chairman Hopkins
stated the movie deals with Suboxone, and they need to be sure that people know
Suboxone doesn’t always work in treating someone. It can be as equally
dangerous, but in the movie, it is shown as a solution. Chairman Hopkins
continued that we also need to look at what we have available to us here and
asked the group for any input or ideas. Dr. Root stated he really likes the
idea of showing the movie in different locations around the County because it
helps with transportation issues that people may face. Dr. Root continued that
there should be a panel or group of people to put it into proper context, and
possibly have a brief introduction to the video that would discuss the
resources that are available in the County, as well as provide handouts. Dr.
Root hopes they will attract some family members, friends, and even people that
are currently in this situation; therefore, having them leave with those
resources will be valuable. Dr. Root offered to open the Fillmore Auditorium to
the public for a northern site viewing. Chairman Hopkins asked about the timing
of showing the video; do they want to have three consecutive showings, or space
them out over the course of weeks or months. Ms. Buchholz stated there are
benefits to spacing the viewings because it will allow them to learn from each
experience, and suggested one viewing weekly or biweekly. Child Protective
Services Supervisor Gina Kocsis stated spacing the videos is better because
they will find there is a whole community out there that may have missed the
showing, and it will allow them time to attend the next one. County
Administrator Tim Boyde stated in places he’s been recently, they always had
panel discussions that included law enforcement, district attorney, treatment
community, recovery individuals, and they were always very effective. Mr. Boyde
asked how many shows we have funding for currently, and have they established
someone to collect private donations, as he feels it’s a worthy cause, and
would like to donate. Ms. Evans stated at this point there is no formalized
process for donations; however, Ardent Solutions has agreed to be the fiscal
conduit for donations and grant opportunities, but a process does need to be
finalized as to where the funds will go from Ardent. Mr. Boyde stated the
Governor’s budget did include funds for Heroin & Opioid treatment
activities, so they need to keep their eyes opened for grant opportunities. Ms.
Evans stated they do have two grants submitted to the Allegany Area Foundation
and continue to look into working with United Way. Chairman Hopkins stated they
did submit a grant opportunity to United Way, and while they thought it was a
sure thing, unfortunately it was not approved, so they continue to look at
different avenues. Mr. Boyde asked if one of the screenings of “Hungry Heart”
could be done as an assembly for students as a way to reach them, and whether
or not that counts toward our usage of the video. Ms. Evans stated it does, and
she has had the opportunity to talk with Kingdom County Productions, as well as
the producer of the film, and right now they have secured a contract to provide
free community showings. There would be a reduced licensing fee if we use the
video for educational purposes, and they would have to contract with them to do
this for school districts that are interested.
SBIRT (Screening, Brief Intervention, and Referral to
Treatment) Training
Ms. Evans stated the prevention workgroup discussed and is
very interested in the opportunity to offer SBIRT (Screening, Brief
Intervention, and Referral to Treatment) Training. SBIRT is an evidence based
approach to identifying patients in healthcare practices who use alcohol and others
drugs at risky levels with the goal of reducing and preventing related health
consequences, disease, accidents, and injuries. ACASA (Allegany Council on
Alcoholism and Substance Abuse) is a certified SBIRT training facility, and has
attempted to promote and train local providers with limited participation from
local providers’ offices. Ms. Evans stated according to the Medicaid Redesign
District process, early screening for alcohol and substance abuse is a priority
in all settings across the healthcare system, and look to SBIRT as a strategy.
Ms. Evans continued that we are very fortunate that ACASA (Allegany Council on
Alcoholism and Substance Abuse) has an SBIRT certified trainer on staff that
has offered training in the past; however, they experienced limited
participation. Ms. Evans went on to say that Mr. Penman was kind enough to
agree that the prevention workgroup and Ardent could work with their community
educator to try to promote and move forward additional SBIRT trainings in
Allegany County. There is a flyer that has been drafted, and they are working
on sites and times for trainings. Lauri Hennessy from the Health Department has
offered to help marketing this training to nurses in the community as well as
her colleagues and peers.
STOP-DWI NY Regional Training Opportunity
Ms. Evans reminded the Ad-Hoc Committee about the 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.
Treatment Workgroup Meeting of April 28, 2017
Ms. Evans stated the treatment workgroup discussed
alternative pain management strategies, and plan to develop a resource guide as
to what resources are available as an alternative to pain medication. Ms. Evans
listed the following resources as their top priority to research:
- Yoga - Relaxation Techniques
- Pilates - Acupressure
- Tai Chi - Reiki
- Nutrition Counseling - Acupuncture
- Stress Reduction - Chiropractic
- Physical Exercise - Osteopathy
- Massage Therapy
The workgroup will be developing a database that will house
information such as practices, locations, insurances accepted, sliding fee
scales, and how referrals are made.
Pharmacy Continuing Education Training
Ms. Evans stated that the University of Buffalo School of
Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences has agreed to provide training for
pharmacists regarding their important role in combatting the opioid addiction
crisis. Dr. Robert Wahler will consult with Ardent Solutions to coordinate a
two-hour Continuing Pharmacy Education Program with the following learning
objectives:
- Review the background of the opioid epidemic
- Identify risk factors associated with opioid overdose
- Balance legitimate medical use vs. illegitimate use
- Define tolerance, dependence (including withdrawal),
addiction, and pseudo addiction
- List counseling points necessary to educate patients
during opioid counseling
- Apply screening techniques to determine the need for
Naloxone
Ms. Evans stated they will be able to apply for continuing
pharmaceutical credits for pharmacists who do attend.
Trauma Informed Care
Ms. Evans recognized Social Services Commissioner Vicki
Grant and Cuba Cultural Center Executive Director Suzanne Krull who were
recently selected to the Western New York Trauma Informed Champions Program.
Ms. Evans stated they hope Ms. Grant will be able to provide training in the
future on what that means for an advocacy platform for treatment, specifically
the ACE (Adverse Childhood Events) study and how that impacts health and
addiction.
Recovery Workgroup Meeting of April 27, 2018
Recovery Coaches
Ms. Evans stated the workgroup had a lot of discussion in
regards to recovery coaches and what the differences are between recovery
coaches and sponsors within the community. The workgroup was charged with performing
more research, and there will be a CAReS Recovery Coach Coordinator that will
be attending the next workgroup meeting to provide a greater understanding. Ms.
Evans continued that she plans to contact CAReS to research financial costs to
host a Recovery Coach Foundations training in Allegany County as opposed to
sending potential participants to Rochester or Buffalo. This will help reduce
anticipated costs with travel and/or overnight accommodations. Ms. Buchholz
stated for her personally, faith is a big part of recovery, and if she were to
be a recovery coach under the direction of a treatment facility, she may be
very limited on what she can or cannot do, so more information is needed.
Resource Guides for Individuals Living in Recovery
Ms. Evans stated the workgroup also discussed what resources
for caregivers need to be implemented within the community, as well as
trainings. The workgroup also has the opportunity to work with Friends of
Recovery NY which is an advocacy and educational program in New York State that
specifically looks at addiction.
Recovery Recreational and Social Clubs
Ms. Evans stated the workgroup discussed different avenues
for a recovery club that includes the following:
- Training, as well as community support for those wishing
to return to school or the workforce
- Social venues
- Volunteer services
- Celebrate Recovery monthly celebrations that would invite
County-wide groups
The workgroup also discussed the need for a more formalized
setting that would be available daily, especially during times where
individuals may feel the most vulnerable or isolated. The idea of a store front
being available with volunteer oversight was also discussed, and will be
explored further at upcoming meetings. Members of the recovery workgroup will
be formulating a survey to gain the opinions and voice of the recovery
community regarding the following topics:
- Days of the month or week that a recovery club would be
most utilized
- Time of day that recovery club would be most utilized
- Recreational and social activities most desired
Ms. Buchholz stated it has dawned on them that people aren’t
aware of what’s available in this community, adding a lot of folks can be
helped whether it’s the addict themselves or family members. Ms. Buchholz
continued that she had a lot of therapy and tools learned through therapy on
how to proceed through life, but her parents, and perhaps victims had no
outlet. Ms. Buchholz added that more has to be done in reaching out.
Enforcement Workgroup Meeting of April 28, 2017
Ms. Evans stated the workgroup members approved the edits to
the 2017 work plan with the addition of Section III Drug Interdiction Services.
Prescription Take Back Program
Ms. Evans stated that Jones Memorial Hospital has approved
the installation of a new Pill Drop Box in the Bolivar Medical Center. Ms.
Evans, Mr. Chaffee, and Sheriff Whitney collaborated to create an Allegany
County Rx Drop Box Location magnet, and they are discussing the process for
distributing them. Chairman Hopkins stated the most recent Pill Drop on April
29 was very successful. The quantity was considered to be down, but because of
the permanent Pill Drop’s that are increasing in the County, they are getting a
sizeable return on medicines.
Drug Interdiction Services
The enforcement workgroup had special guest District
Attorney Keith Slep who discussed New York State’s current criminal matters in
relation to drug interdiction, possession, and drugged driving. During a
vehicle stop, any suspicion of drugs is just cause for search and seizure, and
officials are working to determine appropriate field testing as well as legal
limit levels for marijuana impairment while driving.
Drugged Driving Campaign
Ms. Evans stated the workgroup discussed the opportunity to
craft a Drugged-Driving Campaign centered on the financial costs of a
violation. According to the NYS DMV website, in New York State, the penalties
for an alcohol or drug-related violation include the loss of driving
privileges, fines, and possible jail time. The workgroup also discussed New
York State Drug Recognition Experts (DREs) and the importance of them.
Currently Allegany County does not have any DREs (Drug Recognition Experts) at
our disposal to respond to a drugged driving incident, adding if the police
request a DRE (Drug Recognition Expert), they have to come in from Wyoming
County. The workgroup is going to look into the feasibility of having an officer
go to DRE (Drug Recognition Expert) training, and what the cost will be, and
how to move that forward. Chairman Hopkins stated it is substantial. Ms. Evans
agreed it is substantial; however, STOP DWI New York provides total funding for
that with the exception of travel expenses.
Advocacy Platforms
Chairman Hopkins stated the discussion of the Prevention and
Treatment Advocacy Platforms were not discussed in last month’s meeting, and
read through the following top priorities the workgroups will address.
Treatment Advocacy Platform
Integration of Physical Health – Behavioral Health – The
purpose of the Integration of Physical Health – Behavioral Health is for
simultaneous treatment of re-occurring disorders for individuals living with
more than one diagnosis; physical, mental and/or substance abuse disorder
through:
- Advocate for universal screening for alcohol, drug, and
mental health disorders in local primary care settings.
- Promote the use of, and reimbursement for, Navigators to
assist patients within the physical healthcare system to foster patient
engagement that require behavioral health treatment.
- Advocate for the co-location of services and system-level
integration of care between physical health providers and behavioral health
providers by supporting a mid-level physical healthcare provider in the local
behavioral health service delivery system.
- Promote comprehensive care management, transitional care,
referral services, and other supports through the local Health Homes model.
Inmate Medicaid Waiver Program – Advocate for NYS inmates to
enroll in or retain Medicaid benefits while in local and state facilities
through:
- Supporting state legislation expanding Medicaid
eligibility to be inclusive of those incarcerated.
- Advocating for financial reimbursement of healthcare;
including drug and alcohol treatment, with incarcerated populations under a
proposed federal Medicaid waiver program.
- Seeking funding for a full-time alcohol and other drug
clinicians to provide treatment in the local jail until Medicaid reimbursement
is available or as an alternative to Medicaid funding.
Medication Assisted Therapy – Champion Medication Assisted
Therapy in out-patient drug and alcohol treatment clinics under the auspices of
a mid-level provider.
Involuntary 72-hour Hold – Advocate for state legislation
that allows clinicians to retain a patient for involuntary emergency treatment
for a 72-hour period after an opioid overdose siting the person poses a serious
risk of harm to self and/or others.
Clinical Guidelines – Champion clinical best-practice
strategies for opioid use in patients with pain by supporting the Center for
Disease Control Prescribing Opioid for Chronic Pain Guidelines.
Trauma-Informed Care – Champion policy to make Allegany
County a trauma-informed community. Ms. Evans stated this asks the question of
what happened to the person rather than what is wrong with the person, and
focuses on how to help the individual through the trauma that may occur at any
point in their lifetime. Ms. Kocsis stated the Department of Social Services
has trained their staff in Solution Focused Trauma Informed Care, and also have
monthly case reviews, adding it has been an ongoing initiative for the past
four to five years. Chairman Hopkins asked Ms. Kocsis to expand on the
definition of Solution Focused Trauma Informed Care. Ms. Kocsis stated they are
combined together and look at the trauma by completing an Adverse Childhood
Experience (ACE) assessment which consists of ten questions that look for a
history of divorce, sexual abuse, parents’ drugs and alcohol, adding the
findings from the assessment help provide care for the family as well as
working through the issues. Chairman Hopkins stated the awareness of these
issues are what will help people to give better care and realize there is an
addiction issue or the potential for one. Legislator LaForge asked what the
parameters were of trauma, and what defines a traumatic experience or history
of trauma. Ms. Evans stated it’s person centered; what might be traumatic for
one person may not be traumatic for another. Ms. Kocsis stated in order to meet
the criteria for a diagnosis; the individual has to be affected in their daily
lives. Chairman Hopkins stated they are asking the workgroups to prioritize
these advocacy areas, because the Ad-Hoc group doesn’t have the specialization
and knowledge the workgroups have.
Prevention Advocacy Platform
Tobacco 21 – the primary purpose of Tobacco 21 Law is to
raise the minimum tobacco sales age to 21 to dramatically reduce tobacco use.
NYS counties to enact Tobacco 21 include Albany, Chautauqua, Orange,
Cattaraugus, Cortland, and Schenectady.
Lee Law – The primary purpose of the Lee Law is to reduce
youth exposure to alcohol retail outlet advertising. This project focuses on
two provisions in the Lee Law:
1. No more than 33 percent of window space can be covered
with advertising or signs.
2. Window signage must be placed so that law enforcement
personnel have a clear and unobstructed view of the interior of the store,
including the cash registers.
Ms. Ballengee stated advertisers know who to hit, where to
hit, and what message to send, adding she fully supports limiting exposure.
Chairman Hopkins stated there is a magazine that deals with this issue, and the
cover photo is a picture of a convenience store in Allegany County that depicts
how awful the exposure is. Dr. Root stated he likes it because it brings the
issue to adolescents outside high school ages, and hopes it will lead to
children having greater brain and lung development, adding if you can get them
to 25, and they are not involved in addiction, the odds of them falling prey
are slim. Chairman Hopkins stated that studies show a young person’s brain is
not fully developed until they are 26 years old, and are making life decisions
on a brain that isn’t fully capable.
Social Host Law – The primary purpose of the Social Host Law
is to provide a legal basis for holding adults responsible for knowingly
allowing parties for youth under 21 to occur at a place under their control,
whether or not they provided the alcohol. NYS counties to enact Social Host Law
include Nassau, Westchester, Ulster, Dutchess, Rockland, Suffolk, Orange,
Cortland, Ontario, and Putnam.
Clinical Education – Mandate and fund prevention education
efforts in physician practices, healthcare settings, and pharmacies regarding
addiction risk when prescribing opioids.
Pharmacist Counseling – Advocate for mandatory Pharmacist
Counseling at check-out for opioid prescriptions.
Tobacco 21:
Chairman Hopkins stated Tobacco 21 is a big advocacy area,
and one we can help to endorse and make happen. It has been presented to the
Board of Health as well as the Human Services Committee for support. County
Attorney Tom Miner stated he has reviewed the proposed local law, and while he
doesn’t have a lot of problems with it, he was contacted by a Legislator who
had concerns about a blanket prohibition of tobacco sales to individuals under
21, specifically those who are actively military personnel, and feels they
should be exempt from this law. Attorney Miner stated if they do that, it will
raise some legal questions often referred to as Equal Protection Concerns by
treating that class as different from the rest of the 21 year olds. Attorney
Miner continued in doing some research, the state of California has done this
same thing, and if this were to move forward, it is his hope that the State of
California would defend the clause, should it get challenged. Attorney Miner
went on to say this new proposed law piggy backs on what we currently do under
the Public Health Law for sales under 18. The enforcement of this local law
will fall back on the Health Department, and Attorney Miner referred to Public
Health Director Lori Ballengee for input in regards to the amount of work
enforcing this will encompass. Ms. Ballengee stated it won’t impose any
additional work because it is something they enforce now with every business
that holds a tobacco license; the only difference will be what age the
individual is that they send in to try and purchase. Ms. Ballengee continued
that these retailers have all had extensive education, and there are already
protocols and procedures in place if businesses sell to a minor. Chairman
Hopkins stated when Tobacco 21 was brought to the Human Services Committee,
there was a lot of discussion; some ambiguous, some critical, and some off
topic, and it is her hope to come up with some concrete answers to some of the
questions being put out there so we can continue to move this forward. Ms.
Evans stated one topic that came up at the workgroup meeting was possession
law, and the inclusion of it as well as what that would mean for enforcement.
Attorney Miner stated a possession law opens you up to challenges because this
law does infringe on one’s civil rights. You’re talking about an adult at 18,
and telling them they can’t possess a product. Attorney Miner continued that
preventing the vendors from selling the product is an easier legal case to
make, than simply putting a ban on the possession of it, adding you can’t just
enact legislation like this because it sounds good; you have to have a strong
rational basis for why you’re imposing these types of restrictions. Attorney Miner
discussed the language he added that would allow active military personnel 18
years and older to be exempt for this law. Ms. Evans asked if it would be
required that military ID be present at the time of purchase. Attorney Miner
stated, yes, it is included in the language that it is apparent the vendor is
dealing with active military personnel when selling a tobacco product.
Legislator LaForge stated one thing to keep in mind with this law is that they
are never going to reach a point where they stop everyone from starting to
smoke at age 18. It is to reach as many people as you can, and if adding the
military clause is what it takes to move it forward, that’s only 1 percent of
the population that is exempt. Legislator LaForge continued if they can reach the
young people and stop a greater percentage by enacting this law then it’s a
good thing in terms of living their whole life. Ms. Evans asked how the
prevention workgroup can assist with the timeline of moving this forward. Ms.
Ballengee stated she thinks they are good in shape with the timeline because
they have already achieved most of the goals that are on it. Chairman Hopkins
stated there was a concern with the enforcement of this law in that we would be
limiting what retailers can sell, adding the amount of sales to youth of this
age is 2 percent of their business, so it’s not going to be a make or break for
their survival. Chairman Hopkins asked Ms. Ballengee how many retailers there
currently are selling tobacco products, and has that number diminished. Ms.
Ballengee stated, yes, it has, and is currently around fifty-five, and is
primarily grocery stores and convenience stores. Dr. Root stated as with
anything, you have to prioritize and as he looks at it, the 2 percent makes it
a little easier to prioritize because it’s not as significant. If they were
putting stores out of business then he would be more concerned, but the fact
that they are talking about young people and health, he puts that at a greater
priority than the decision to let retailers sell to those at that age. Chairman
Hopkins stated the overriding importance of this law is to delay as many young
people as possible from making the choice to start smoking or use tobacco
products until their brain is better developed, and they have better decision
making knowledge. Chairman Hopkins continued with another concern brought up at
the Human Services Committee that this law would make young people go to the
Indian Reservation to purchase tobacco products and asked Dr. Root what he
finds in the school system. Dr. Root stated transportation is a constant issue
when you’re providing services for families and/or people, and he doesn’t see
families or individuals driving to the reservation to purchase tobacco
products. Dr. Root continued that there are very general studies that indicate
80 percent of the population will follow the requirement and regulations set
before them, 10 to 15 percent need to see that it will benefit them, and 5 to
10 percent are resistant until forced to follow. Attorney Miner stated this law
will not criminalize or penalize any individuals under 21; it’s primarily
focused on the vendors; therefore, if an individual under the age of 21 goes to
the reservation to purchase tobacco products, they won’t be breaking a law. Ms.
Evans stated the prevention workgroup discussed the possibility of attending
upcoming meetings where this law will be voted on to show their support in
moving this forward, and asked for feedback on whether this will be a positive
or negative. Attorney Miner stated it would be helpful, adding when you enact a
local law there has to be a Public Hearing, and by lining people up ahead of
time that are in favor, it makes it a lot easier to carry these things through.
Ms. Ballengee stated that STOP-DWI Coordinator Linda Edwards may be willing to
get a group of kids to come and show support as well. The Ad-Hoc Committee
discussed an effective date for this law as well as how much notice needs to be
provided to retailers for enforcing it.
Living Healthy with Chronic Pain
Ardent Solutions Community Health Program Manager Melissa
Biddle announced a 6-Week Self-Management Workshop for Living Healthy with
Chronic Pain. It will be held Thursdays from June 22, 2017, through July 27,
2017, from 2:00 p.m. to 4:30 p.m. at St. Philips Parish Hall, 12 Willets
Avenue, Belmont, NY 14813. The workshop will teach individuals ways to manage
chronic pain that include the following:
- Dealing with your symptoms
- Exercise for improving your health
- Appropriate use of medications
- Communicating effectively
- Decision making
- Nutrition
- Pacing activity and rest
This workshop is open to the public, and the cost is $10.
Pre-registration is required by Monday, June, 19, 2017, by calling Ardent
Solutions at 585-593-1738.
Next Meeting:
The next meeting will be Thursday, June 8, 2017, at 1:00
p.m. in the Legislative Chambers.
Adjournment
There being no further business to come before the
committee, the meeting was ended at 2:53 p.m.
Respectfully submitted,
Meghan Washer, Secretary to Clerk of the Board
Allegany County Board of Legislators
