Sheriff’s Office’s Second Chance program hits milestone

SARATOGA SPRINGS, N.Y. » The Saratoga County Sheriff’s Office’s Second Chance overdose program recently conducted its 500th post overdose follow-up. Substance use disorder is a scientifically documented medical condition listed in the Diagnostic and Statistic Manual of Mental Disorders — not a moral failing. It is not limited to opioid use.

The program, which began in 2017, aims to ensure victims of overdoses and their families/significant others are aware of and able to utilize the services available to them. Follow-up is attempted by the Sheriff’s Office with every victim as soon as possible after the event in an effort to connect them with assistance.

As part of the program, the Sheriff’s Office became an Opioid Overdose Prevention Program certified by the New York State Department of Health in 2018. Currently, there are members on every shift who carry extra naloxone (Narcan) kits to train and dispense to civilians on the spot. Since the inception of the program, the Sheriff’s Office has dispensed 1,032 naloxone kits to both civilians and law enforcement.

Captain Dan Morley, who heads the program noted, “With overdoses still on the rise, and with the continued uncertainty surrounding COVID-19, the program is more important than ever. It is easy to dismiss an overdose as a moral failing, but the reality is that it is the result of a disease and every one of them is someone’s daughter, son, husband, wife, etc.”

As of this date, the Sheriff’s Office has responded to 88 overdose calls, 12 of which were fatal. Naloxone was used in 58 of these events.

If you or someone you know suffers from substance use disorder, you’re urged to contact their partners at Healing Springs Recovery and Outreach Center in Saratoga Springs at (518) 306-3048 for non-emergency assistance. The Sheriff’s Office communications division may be contacted to arrange for Narcan training at (518) 885-6761.