BUFFALO, N.Y. (WBEN) - Despite a decline in the number of deaths caused by the opioid epidemic in Western New York, Erie County Executive Mark Poloncarz said there's still work to be done on the front.
"Just because we're seeing the light at the end of the tunnel of the opioid epidemic doesn't mean we're stopping the work we do, especially in regards to addiction treatment," Poloncarz said.
Burstein said some newborns are born with an addiction because of what their mothers did during pregnancy. Those cases involve longer stays. She also said they're working with the University at Buffalo on a program to help those who come to the emergency department who have an addiction.
"They get started with buprenorphine in the emergency department," she said.
Mental Health Commissioner Michael Ranney said his office has received grants to help the opioid intervention court and an initiative that helps train law enforcement.
"Training on substance use disorders and recognizing the disorders all in an effort to divert individuals from jail and getting them into treatment they may be needing," he said.
Peer intervention programs, family advocacy programs, and psycho-education work in jails were also funded in the grants.
Poloncarz said something to keep an eye on in the future is the rise of methamphetamine, particularly in some parts of New York. The county executive said the public health crisis could be considered "over" as early as next year.
