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.

Both Chautauqua County Executive Vince Horrigan and Chautauqua County Community Mental Hygiene Services Director Patricia Brinkman coordinated Monday’s Community Forum, which will focus on the continuing prevention efforts to combat Opiate use in Chautauqua. The event is scheduled to begin at 9 a.m. at Chautauqua Suites Hotel and Expo Center and is open to the public.

The Forum will feature experts who will discuss current treatment practices, impacts of drug abuse, and community involvement in organizing efforts to combat addiction.

Anticipated speakers include:

• Michael Fox, Research Associate from the Begun Center for Violence Prevention Research and Education;
• Allison Sharer, Director of Prevention Programs with Drug Free Action Alliance; and
• Dr. Robert Meyers – emeritus research associate professor of psychology at the University of New Mexico’s Center on Alcoholism, Substance Abuse and Addiction.

Several Key stakeholders from the community are also involved with the event, including the Mental Health Association of Chautauqua County. CEO Rick Huber was a guest on WRFA’s most recent episode of Community Matters program and talked about how the drug abuse situation – especially the use of heroin – has reached an all-time high in the area. Huber said according to the recent 2014 county health study, the number of babies being born with an addiction is 2.5 times greater than the state average.

• RELATED: Rick Huber Discusses Drug Addiction in Chautauqua County

In addition to the speakers, the forum will also focus on updating the community and what’s been done to address the drug addiction and abuse problem since the previous forum one year ago.

The forum is expected to last until noon.

Council President Greg Rabb asked police chief Harry Snellings to provide details on what the police department has been doing to combat the growing drug problem, as well as provide an update on some recent high profile cases – including the shooting at Appleyard Terrace which took place one week ago.

Snellings said that the Jamestown Police Department is continuing to put the pressure on drug dealers in the area, with local media and community members helping to send the message that heroin and other illegal narcotics are not welcome in Jamestown. But he also admitted that the drug issue is a growing problem not only in the city but across the country, and as a result the community needs to also do what it can to stem the growing tide drug trafficking into Jamestown and Chautauqua County.

However, Snellings also pointed out that comparatively speaking, crime has not seen a sharp increase compared to recent years. He said that some high profile cases and media coverage could lead people to think crime is spiraling out of control, but he added that the numbers are actually similar to where they were in past years. So far this year the city has had three shooting incidents, compared to only one by this time last year.

In addition to comments from Chief Snellings and Council President Greg Rabb, Jamestown Mayor Sam Teresi also offered his thoughts in the issue, explaining that he had instructed Snellings more than a year ago to be more aggressive when it comes to investigating the trafficking of drugs into the community. He added that the city has been on top of the issue, addressing during his State of the City Speech at the start of the year as well as during a recent council work session when the focus was on housing issues.

Snelling said part of that effort includes having the community attend the upcoming Drug Forum at Jamestown Community College. The forum – which is being sponsored by the Jamestown Strategic Planning and Partnership Commission – will feature the Chief Snellings and two other individuals, including Dr. David Withers – an expert in drug addiction.

The forum will take place Thursday night at 7 p.m. in the Scharman Theater and JCC and is free and open to the public.

Despite blizzard like conditions, the initial Community Drug Forum in Mayville had over 200 people in attendance. Horrigan says that turnout was a great start, but the suggestion was made that subsequent forums be held at the two ends of the county to reach those who couldn’t make the first.

According to a media release, the forums will focus on the same issues and topics featured in the initial Community Drug Forum. They will be held on August 4, 2014 from 9 a.m. to noon at Jamestown Community College in Jamestown, and 1:30 p.m. to 4:30 p.m. at JCC’s north county facility in Dunkirk.

For more information concerning the Community Forum, contact the Chautauqua County Department of Mental Hygiene by calling (716) 753-4104.

ABOUT: Community Matters is a half-hour public affairs program airing every Thursday evening at 6 p.m. and Sunday at Noon on WRFA-LP 107.9 FM in Jamestown, N.Y.

Community leaders, medical personnel and law enforcement officials joined families and recovering addicts at Chuatauqua Suites in Mayville for the Drug Addiction Awareness Forum, designed to educate the public on the issue of addiction and what can be done to help those who suffer from it. The event was organized by Chautauqua County Executive Vince Horrigan and Chautauqua County Department of Mental Hygiene Director Patricia Brinkman.

The day-long event featured professionals who work with addicts as well as law enforcement officials who battle drug trafficking in the region. A Q&A session also allowed the audience to ask questions and offer their thoughts on addiction in Chautauqua County.

Associate Medial Director David Withers from the Marworth Treatment Center addressed the audience in the morning, saying getting drug abusers to come forward, or admit they have a problem, is one of the biggest challenges for people that treat addicts.

WRFA will feature portions of Withers’ presentation during this week’s Community Matters program, which airs at 6 p.m. Thursday and Noon on Sunday.