Goshen, N.Y. – Orange County advises residents that help and support is available to those struggling with opioid addiction or abuse.
“It is Orange County’s constant goal to be part of the solution to this epidemic,” Orange County Executive Steven M. Neuhaus said. “We will continue our efforts to target drug dealers to eliminate the supply of drugs in our communities, to educate residents about the dangers of drug use and the signs and symptoms of drug abuse, and to treat those struggling with addiction while helping their families as well.”
Opioids include morphine, heroin, oxycodone, fentanyl, Vicodin, OxyContin, Norco and Percocet, among other drugs. Overdose can lead to a loss of alertness, unconsciousness or even death. Heroin and opioid abuse not only affects the individuals taking the drugs, but also negatively impacts their families and friends.
“We need to promote hopeful recovery messages to people with this treatable disease,” Orange County Commissioner of Mental Health and Social Services Darcie Miller said. “The County is here to provide families and loved ones information about services and we need to hold our systems, federal, state, and local, accountable. Every day in Orange County, we are working to promote and develop innovative strategies to prevent, to treat and to support recovery.”
Orange County District Attorney David Hoovler added: “The recent overdose deaths in our region have been primarily caused by market saturation of powerful heroin laced with synthetic fentanyl. This epidemic presents complex challenges on all fronts, when it comes to educating the public, treating those in need, and reducing supply through enforcement. My staff and I will continue to work with all of our partners, to first preserve human life, and secondly, promote criminal justice policies that strengthen public safety.”
If you or someone you know is struggling with opioid addiction, the following resources are available:
Orange County Department of Mental Health: 845-291-2600, www.co.orange.ny.us.
Alcoholism and Drug Abuse Council (ADAC) of Orange County: 845-294-9000, www.adacinfo.com.
Mental Health Association of Orange County: 1-800-832-1200 (24 hours/7 days a week), www.mhorangeny.com.
National Suicide Prevention Lifeline: 1-800-273-TALK
For more information about the signs and symptoms of abuse, go to combatheroin.ny.gov.
Free Narcan training is available in Orange County. Narcan, also known as Naloxone, is a medication that can potentially save someone’s life. It reverses the effects of opioid medication, including extreme drowsiness, slowed breathing, or loss of consciousness. For information about Narcan training, contact the County’s Department of Mental Health at 291-2600 or opioidresources@orangecountygov.com.
The State Department of Health’s N-CAP program assists with Narcan co-payments, making the drug available at low or no cost at local pharmacies. For more information about N-CAP, call 800-542-2437 or log onto www.health.ny.gov/overdose.
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