The members of the Legislative Chairman’s Heroin & Opiod Prevention Panel commend County Executive Michael Hein for finally acknowledging there is a Heroin epidemic plaguing Ulster County and committing resources to get Narcan kits into the hands of first responders. Through the group’s diligent efforts and hard work over the past two months, the groundwork had already been laid to make it easy for County Executive Hein to implement a plan for distributing Narcan kits.

Legislative Chairman Parete highlighted the Heroin and Opiod Overdose epidemic in his March 18 address to the Legislature and the need for funding of the Narcan kits stating, “It can save the life of a heroin addict, if they have it.  If you are wondering about where the epidemics are, and where the problems are, and how the best of intentions can go astray: a tab of heroin costs $5; easy to get; you can’t buy cigarettes anymore – you need seven ID’s, fingerprinted, and given an eye scan - but they can go out and get Heroin.  One mistake, one mistake by somebody and they might be addicted for life.  So one of the things I want to work on is maybe figuring out a way in the budget to establish dedicated funding for our police departments and our EMTs to get the necessary equipment that they need -   equipment and medicines.” 

The discussion group is chaired by former Legislature Chairman Louis Klein and includes

·        District Attorney D. Holley Carnright,

These members have been working to not only establish the system of funding and distribution of these important kits, but also develop a long term, all encompassing plan to address the epidemic, including education, outreach, and addiction identification and treatment opportunities.

With the introduction of Resolution #276, what began as part of the long term, comprehensive plan developed into a legislative policy creating an EMS Advisory Board for Ulster County.  The Board will focus on the changes in technology, policy and patient care and the need for one collective voice of EMS practitioners working in partnership with the Legislature to ensure the respect, safety, education, and training of these professionals, all Ulster County’s residents, and it’s visitors.

Legislative Chairman Parete stated, “EMS people are our friends and neighbors dedicated to saving our lives, each and every day.  As I stated in my address, they do not have their own funding mechanisms.  They have to hold yard sales and bake sales, and that’s unacceptable.  People who save lives each and every day, should never be going out on a rescue mission without the necessary equipment or medicine.”

Legislators Carl Belfiglio and Mary Wawro have been instrumental in networking with prevention experts such as Cheryl DePaola of Ulster Prevention Council and Mary Shultis of Awareness, Inc. “The individuals who have come together to address this problem is impressive and inspiring,” said Lou Klein who Chairs the group. “We recognize that proving an antidote to overdose can and will save lives, but isn’t a long term solution to the problem. I hope County Executive Hein will continue to work with us to continue to combat this epidemic,” he concluded.