Thrall Library Director Matthew Pfisterer, right, says there have
been very few cases of overdoses in his
facility, but whenever there is an issue, the Middletown Police
respond rapidly. Rep. Maloney, left, listens in.
MIDDLETOWN – Saying that unfortunately, libraries have become locations
where people are overdosing on narcotics, Congressman Sean Patrick Maloney
came to Thrall Library in Middletown on Tuesday to announce legislation
that would provide federal funding to train library staff in the proper
dispensing of the miracle opioid reversal drug Narcan.
The issue is not just one affecting Middletown, Maloney noted. It is a
nationwide epidemic.
“We have seen an alarming increase in the number of overdoses in
places like libraries because people can find a quiet spot, use a public
bathroom or hideaway, use their drugs and get in trouble,” he said.
Maloney would like to see “a few million dollars” be budgeted
to pay for librarian Narcan training nationwide.
James Conklin, head of the Orange County Drug and Alcohol Abuse Council,
said his agencies would be willing to provide training for staff in every
library in the county in a matter of weeks.
Assemblywoman Aileen Gunther, Middletown Mayor Joseph DeStefano, Sheriff
Carl DuBois and District Attorney David Hoovler all said combating opioid
and heroin abuse is a top priority and must be addressed on a number of
fronts including treatment, law enforcement and education.
They advised persons with unwanted prescription medications to bring them
to police stations or other drug drop-off locations, but most importantly
do not leave them around the house or flush them down the toilet.
