New position to help battle opioid epidemic
Coordinator will help families, services
TROY, N.Y. » Rensselaer County Executive Steve McLaughlin, who took office in January, is already following through on one of his campaign promises: battling the ongoing opioid epidemic that is occurring throughout the state and nation.
To help fight the epidemic, McLaughlin has announced the creation of a new position — opioid recovery coordinator. The part-time position will be partially funded through forfeiture funds from the county sheriff’s office and district attorney’s office. The position seeks to bridge the gap between families in need of help and the recovery community.
“This past year, I was struck by how many residents had dealt with opioid addiction issues in their family and circle of friends. We want to create new avenues for treatment and help to assist those dealing with this issue,” said McLaughlin. “The number of deaths and overdoses in our county and in the region during the past two years has been very troubling. This problem is affecting too many in our county and we want to step up efforts to fight the disease.”
Legislation has been submitted to the county Legislature to help establish the position of opioid recovery coordinator in county government to help aid individuals and families fighting the disease of heroin and opiate addiction.
County officials believe that the position will help coordinate and expand addiction recovery services in the county and community, and help bridge a gap between individuals in need and the recov- ery community.
“I have heard from so many families with loved ones battling this disease and Rensselaer County wants to step up our fight against this scourge of heroin and opiate addiction and help get those dealing with the problem the help they need. This is a problem affecting families from all walks of life and the number of those lost in our county is very disturbing,” said McLaughlin.
McLaughlin said that the new recovery coordinator position will
be able to help talk with residents and families who are struggling with opioid addiction.
“The new opioid recovery coordinator will be someone who residents can reach out to and get help and advice accessing treatment options, the recovery community and existing health and mental health services. This new position will expand our commitment to fighting the heroin epidemic,” said McLaughlin.
McLaughlin said he plans to announce his ap-
pointment to the position in the coming weeks.
“Our first goal is to bridge the gap between those in need and resources now available in the county and the recovery community. We look forward to getting started in this mission in the coming weeks,” said McLaughlin.
The newly created position will include a salary of $30,000, including use of the forfeiture funds.
The creation of the Opioid Recovery Coordinator has been submitted to the county Legislature for consideration, and is expected to be on the agenda for the Legislature’s agenda for the Feb. 13 legislative meeting.