MAYVILLE – It was a near full house at Chautauqua Suites in Mayville Monday as community leaders and members of the public attended the county-sponsored Community Drug Forum – held to provide and update on what’s being done and what more has to happen to tackle the growing drug epidemic in the county.
While officials in attendance pointed to several new programs and initiatives that have been put in place since the first drug forum one year ago, some in attendance were still not convinced that enough is being done to combat the heroin and prescription drug addiction problem that has led to dozens of overdoses – some of which have been fatal.
One of the biggest challenges facing those with addiction is the lack of a local detox program and that is still something that has yet to be improved. However, the local Mental Health Association has been working on a plan that would bring better treatment options to the growing number of addicts and is encouraging county residents to continue applying pressure on elected officials to put that plan into action.
County Executive Vince Horrigan – who’s office was a cosponsor of the event – said that the county would look into creating an “outpatient detox” program. He also said that the county is working on the education component as well – trying to persuade members of the community, especially teens and those in their 20s. He said that scare tactics aren’t working and the focus should instead be on a more holistic approach being taught in local schools.
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