MONTICELLO- The Sullivan County Drug Task Force held its semi-annual meeting on Friday at the County Government Center. Central to the discussion was the group’s ongoing efforts to address the opioid crisis and mental health issues that lead to substance use.
Congressman Marc Molinaro attended the meeting and addressed the stigma associated with substance use.
“It is an illness and just like mental illness, and it is not a crime to confront substance abuse disorder,” said Molinaro. “There are those that engage in criminal behavior, but we have to identify and acknowledge the difference.”
Several interested parties, called pillars, were represented from law enforcement to prevention resources.
Liberty Police Chief Steven D’Gata spoke about the Hope Not Handcuffs program which has been implemented in all of the county’s police departments. D’Gata said that the program provides individuals struggling with substance use disorder the ability to request treatment services through any department in the county.
Undersheriff Eric Chaboty said that the county’s DARE program is also an important part of battling the county’s high overdose rate. DARE is an education and prevention program administered by the Sheriff’s Office that teaches students to resist drugs and alcohol.
In 2023, Bold Gold Media was recognized by the Radio Broadcast Association for having produced innovative and effective public service announcements and testimonials on opioid use. Bold Gold General Manager Dawn Ciorciari said the radio network plans to run similar content in 2024.
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