BATH – While national news now trumpets dire warnings about the opioid substance abuse overwhelming the country, Steuben County officials and agencies have worked tirelessly to stem the opioid crisis for years, most recently hosting informational drug forums throughout the county. Steuben’s third Community Opioid & Substance Abuse Forum this year is slated for 6-7:30 p.m. Oct. 24 at Corning-Painted Post High School, 201 Cantigney St., Corning. The importance of recognizing substance abuse and learning what local resources are available in Steuben is instrumental in combatting a crisis that touches the lives of every one of the county’s 100,000 residents. According to Steuben coroner reports, deaths related to opioid abuse nearly tripled between 2011 and 2016. In addition, the county Sheriff’s Department reports out of the 838 inmates booked between June 1 – Dec. 13, 2016, 297 inmates -- or 35 percent -- showed signs of, or had a history of drug or alcohol abuse. One inmate was hospitalized. Emergency and hospital admissions due to addiction are soaring. Clinics and outpatient services in Steuben report hundreds of residents seek help with addiction each month. Residential care units admit two or three people each week, and admit two individuals daily, on average, for detoxification.
The forum will feature a panel of county officials, physicians and related agency representatives with information designed to assist addicts and their families locate the help they’re looking for. . The event will include light refreshments and information tables on existing services, open at 5:30 p.m., with information sharing, personal stories, and a panel discussion set for 6-7:30 p.m.
