KINGSTON – Public disapproval
of needle exchanges, unregulated “sober” housing, and delays
in obtaining necessary care are just some of the barriers identified by
the Ulster Coalition Against Narcotics (UCAN) which can, and has, lead
to lives lost and families devastated.
UCAN was established less than a year ago, in October 2014, by the county
legislature, and was structured to represent key segments that address
the problem: law enforcement, the medical field, educators, drug prevention
services, legislators and community members.
As part of their final report to the Legislature, UCAN Chairman Louis
Klein and coalition members presented seven policy recommendations and
five budget recommendations that, if implemented, would move Ulster County
toward action to address a heroin epidemic that is leaving, in its wake,
death and destruction in the lives of Ulster County families.
“I’ve had the privilege throughout my lifetime of serving
on many committees but never have I been afforded the opportunity to serve
on a committee, or in this instance, with a coalition that has been more
fulfilling and rewarding,” said Klein.
Emotional testimony came from Elizabeth Berardi, who lost a son, Carter,
almost two years ago, at age 23, of substance abuse disorder.
“Lives of others lost to this disease matter and the lives of those
still suffering also matter,” said Berardi. “I’ve seen
firsthand the epic failures that occur in relation to this disorder while
desperately trying to find help.
Dr. Ray Harvey, who practices in Ulster County is affiliated with the
Institute for Family Health and has treated many patients with opioid
addiction.
“The root of the heroin epidemic is when we started prescribing
these medications that don’t really have so much benefit,”
Harvey said. “We really need to rein that back.”
In its first action following the presentation of the report, the Ulster
County Legislature recognized that raising awareness, breaking stigmas,
and calling attention to this public health crisis is the cornerstone
to combating this public health crisis and in doing so, proclaimed September
2015 as Lost To Addiction Awareness Month In Ulster County. They voted
unanimously at their September 15 session to honor the lives lost to addiction
and to pay tribute to the families that were left behind, as well as to
those families openly or privately continuing, to fight against this devastating
disease.
“Having met firsthand with many families who have been devastated
by the scourge of addiction, I understand that their pain is immeasurable,”
said County Executive Michael Hein in a statement released on Wednesday.
“The important and thoughtful work of the committee provides valuable
insight to assist in the expansion of the fight against this dreadful
disease. I look forward to working with all of the stakeholders to enhance
efforts to address this national problem at a local level.”
