Heroin overdoses

New York State Police said from January 27 to February 7, 2023, there were 94 overdoses reported including six deaths. In Chautauqua, Cattaraugus and Allegany Counties there were 20 overdoses and 3 deaths.

Police said Naloxone, also known as Narcan, was administered 57 times during this time frame. They caution that the more lethal strand of heroin being distributed may cause death.

If you or a family member, friend or acquaintance struggle with opiate use, help can be found through CombatAddictionCHQ.com, the State Office of Addiction Services and Supports at www.oasas.ny.gov, or through the HOPEline at 1-877-846-7369.

– MEDIA RELEASE –

MAYVILLE – The Chautauqua County Department of Health and Human Services (CCDHHS) is warning people that there has been a spike in overdoses in the past month, and that may be a sign that a strong batch of heroin is in the area.  From March 29 to March 31 alone, there were two fatal overdoses and three non-fatal overdoses reported.  A large cluster of drug overdose deaths has also been reported in Erie County, NY.  Due to circumstances, officials believe this spike is due primarily to street drugs, especially heroin, being laced with fentanyl.

“From March 1 to March 31, there were 45 overdoses in Chautauqua County that we are aware of and sadly, two of those were fatal,” said Christine Schuyler, Director of Health and Human Services. “This is very scary. On average, 19 overdoses per month were reported in 2019. If you are with someone who experiences an overdose, call 911, and administer naloxone (Narcan) if it is available.”

Although the focus of attention at this unprecedented time is the COVID-19 crisis, substance misuse and the overdose crisis have not relented.  Current evidence suggests that it has become more dangerous to use drugs from the street as the amount of fentanyl in street drugs is rising and it can be found in heroin, meth, cocaine and marijuana.

“Remember – don’t use alone, test your drugs with fentanyl test strips, and have multiple doses of Narcan available,” said Schuyler.  “There is help and there is hope.”

The MHA has many resources to assist individuals suffering substance use disorders and their families.  Per Steven Cobb, Executive Director of MHA in Chautauqua County, “MHA will help anyone.  There is no requirement to stop using, and no judgment from an MHA coach.  We are willing to help you use in a safer way, get food, find stable housing, and get medical care.”  Recovery Coaches from the Mental Health Association (MHA) are available to help anyone get connected with treatment seven days a week by calling 716-661-9044 from 8 a.m. to 12 midnight.

Access to MAT (medication assisted treatment) in Chautauqua County is now readily available through TLC Health, UPMC Chautauqua, The Resource Center, The Chautauqua Center, and The Chautauqua County Mental Health clinics. The Chautauqua County Crisis Hotline, 1-800-724-02461 1-800-724-0461, is available if you are experiencing a personal crisis or are in emotional distress.

Evergreen Health Services in Chautauqua County has seen higher than normal reports of Narcan use from their patients in March.

“This overdose crisis is a public health issue as well as one of stigma. As a health care provider serving patients every day in Chautauqua County, we know we need to make resources accessible in a manner that is as non-judgmental as possible,” said Emma Fabian, senior director of harm reduction at Evergreen Health. “Narcan is a medication that has the ability to block the effects of opioids and overturn an overdose – and it’s readily available to community members at our Syringe Exchange Program in Jamestown. We are proud to be one of many partners in the area working to reduce the risk of fatal overdoses by providing harm reduction tools.”

Evergreen Health is a good resource of health information and services for people who use drugs; they remain open (320 Prather Ave. Suite 100, Jamestown, NY – note temporary change of location during COVID-19 pandemic), and have Narcan kits to distribute.  There is no cost for a kit, and training only takes about 10 minutes.  Visit www.Evergreenhs.org  or call 716-541-0678 for Evergreen’s most up to date hours, locations and services.

Chautauqua County government and its partners encourage people who use drugs, and their family members, to take advantage of local resources for harm reduction and recovery. People who use drugs and their families should obtain a naloxone (Narcan) kit if they do not have one on hand, and should be prepared to call 911. Visit https://combataddictionchq.com/ to learn about chemical dependency services available throughout the County.

The New York State 911 Good Samaritan Law allows people to call 911 without fear of arrest if they are having a drug or alcohol overdose that requires emergency medical care or if they witness someone overdosing.

If you use drugs, build a safety plan that works for you.  Your health and life matter.  Anyone who uses drugs can overdose.  Know the facts:

• Fentanyl is in the drug supply.
• Fentanyl is 50-100 times stronger than heroin.
• A small amount of fentanyl can cause an overdose.
• Fentanyl is mixed into heroin and can be added to other drugs such as pills, cocaine, and crystal meth.
• Naloxone DOES reverse the effects of fentanyl.
• A drug-free period will lower your tolerance
• Mixing drugs, medications and alcohol increases the risk of overdose.

MAYVILLE – The Chautauqua County Department of Health and Human Services (CCDHHS) is warning people that there has been a spike in non-fatal overdoses, which may be a sign that a strong batch of heroin is in the community.

“From March 1 to March 11, there were 19 reported overdoses in Chautauqua County,” stated Christine Schuyler, Director of Health and Human Services. “On average, we saw 19 overdoses per month in 2019. It is very concerning to see that we’ve hit this number in just the first 11 days of March. Fortunately, no fatal overdoses have been reported yet this month.”

Chautauqua County government and its partners encourage people who use drugs, and their family members, to take advantage of local resources for harm reduction and recovery. People who use drugs and their families should obtain a naloxone (Narcan) kit if they do not have one on hand, and should be prepared to call 911. Visit https://combataddictionchq.com/ to learn about chemical dependency services available throughout the County.

The New York State 911 Good Samaritan Law allows people to call 911 without fear of arrest if they are having a drug or alcohol overdose that requires emergency medical care or if they witness someone overdosing.

The Mental Health Association in Chautauqua County has many resources to assist individuals suffering substance use disorders and their families. “In the face of an uptick in overdoses that we are experiencing, I encourage people to reduce harm in any way possible. Remember that fentanyl can be in any drug now, not just heroin. Make sure you have Narcan accessible, try not to use alone, remember it’s safer to use a smaller amount,” commented Steven Cobb, Executive Director of MHA. “If you’re looking for help with recovery, decreasing use, or using in a safer way the MHA can connect people anywhere in Chautauqua County, with a Recovery Coach by calling 716-661-9044.”

Evergreen Health Services is also a good resource for people who use drugs during this time. They can be reached by calling 716-541-0678.  “This overdose crisis is a public health issue as well as one of stigma. As a health care provider serving patients every day in Chautauqua County, we know we need to make resources accessible in a manner that is as non-judgmental as possible,” said Emma Fabian, senior director of harm reduction at Evergreen Health. “Narcan is a medication that has the ability to block the effects of opioids and overturn an overdose – and it’s readily available to community members at our Syringe Exchange Program at 31 Water Street in Jamestown. We are proud to be one of many partners in the area working to reduce the risk of fatal overdoses by providing harm reduction tools.”

If you are with someone who experiences overdose, call 911, and administer naloxone (Narcan) if it is available.

• MOBILE APP USERS: LISTEN VIA SOUNDCLOUD

Originally airing on Thursday, July 25, 2019.

WRFA’s Jason Sample talks with local advocate Rick Huber to get his thoughts on the current state of chemical dependency in the community as well as what more can be done to reduce the numbers and also help those dealing with addiction.

Rick Huber

Assistant U.S. Attorney Laura A. Higgins stated that beginning in early 2016, the Mercado served as one of the primary mid-level distributors of heroin and cocaine for the Sigfredo Martinez drug organization. Mercado admitted that he was responsible for the “night shift” transactions, and stated that his co-defendant, Bryan Ferrer-Vazquez, distributed during the “day shift.”

The defendant admitted that he received a couple hundred bundles of heroin from Martinez every few days and was tasked with distributing it to smaller dealers and users. Mercado said he would then turn over the proceeds to Martinez and take payment for his role in the distribution. The defendant also directed co-defendant Ferrer-Vazquez to distribute heroin to specific customers and would collect the proceeds earned by Ferrer-Vazquez on behalf of Martinez. During this period of time, Mercado occasionally worked with other uncharged co-conspirators to process bulk quantities of heroin and repackage it for retail sale.

Between November 3, 2016, and March 2, 2017, the Drug Enforcement Administration conducted four controlled purchases of heroin with the defendant. On April 6, 2017, federal search warrants were executed at 385 Buffalo Street, the residence of Ferrer-Vazquez, and 32 Duquesne Street, the residence of Sigfredo Martinez. At each location, law enforcement officers seized numerous ledgers and paper records of drug transactions. A federal search warrant was also executed at Mercado’s residence at 1083 North Main Street in Jamestown where approximately 10 ounces of marijuana and several suboxone strips were recovered.

Ferrer-Vazquez was previously convicted and is awaiting sentencing. Charges remain pending against Martinez.

The sentencing is the result of an investigation by the Drug Enforcement Administration, under the direction of Special Agent-in-Charge James J. Hunt, New York Field Division, the Jamestown Police Department, under the direction of Chief Harry Snellings, and the Southern Tier Regional Drug Task Force.

Zachary Miller and Matthew Vanarsdale

KIANTONE – Three Warren County, Pa., residents were sent to the Chautauqua County jail after methamphetamine, crack cocaine, heroin and several prescription pills were found inside a vehicle involved in a crash Tuesday on Route 62 in the town of Kiantone.

New York State Police responded to the scene and found some of the drugs in plain site, prompting a further search and discovery of more drugs.

Arrested were 30 year old Matthew Vanarsdale of Youngsville, Pa., 28-year-old Samantha Kitchen and 27-year-old Zachary Miller – both of Warren.

Vanarsdale was charged with third-degree criminal possession of a controlled substance, four counts of seventh-degree criminal possession of a controlled substance, criminally possessing a hypodermic instrument and third-degree aggravated unlicensed operation.

Miller, who was driving the car, was charged with seventh-degree criminal possession of a controlled substance and failing to use designated lane.

Kitchen was charged with eight counts of seventh-degree criminal possession of a controlled substance and criminally possessing a hypodermic instrument.

All three were transported to Chautauqua County Jail for arraignment.

From left to right: Michael Dubois, Megan Harkenrider, Sheldon Peet, and Glenn Shugart.

JAMESTOWN – Jamestown Police have arrested four people on gun and drug charges following a traffic stop in the city early Wednesday morning.

Arrested were 29 year-old Michael Dubois of Canisteo, N.Y.; 36 year-old Megan Harkenrider of Hornell; 32 year-old Sheldon Peet of Painted Post, N.Y.; and 39 year-old Glenn Shugart of Elmira.

Police say the vehicle, which was driven by Dubois, was stopped for a traffic violation at about 3:15 a.m. at the corner of Falconer and Winsor streets. During the stop, police reportedly found 2 ounces of methamphetamine, nine bags of heroin, cash, drug paraphernalia, a loaded 9 mm pistol and a .380 pistol.

All four were arrested on drug and gun related charges. Dubois was also charged with aggravated unlicensed operation and failure to signal a turn.

The four were arraigned and sent to the Chautauqua County Jail.

On Thursday Governor Andrew Cuomo announced the rollout of $25.2 million in federal funding, which he said will expand critical initiatives in New York’s ongoing effort to confront the opioid epidemic that is gripping the nation.

The funding will be used to add and enhance treatment services for people struggling with addiction in high-need counties throughout the state, including mobile treatment, telehealth capabilities, and the expansion of medication assisted treatment.

It will also support statewide prevention and recovery programs.

A total of 16 counties, including Erie and Niagara, will share in up to $16 million to increase access to treatment.

In addition, $100,000 has been awarded to various organization, including CASAC, to help deliver evidence-based prevention services for underserved, hard-to-reach youth and other at-risk populations across the state.

The State Targeted Response initiative also includes programing for communities beyond the 16 high-need counties, including:

• Enhanced opioid use disorder services at four existing New York State Department of Health AIDS Institute Health Hubs and the establishment of seven new Health Hubs – $2.7 million
• Creation of a Youth and Young Adult Statewide Recovery Network by the Friends of Recovery – New York – $450,000
• Substance use disorder prevention services to youth in foster care – $200,000
• An education and awareness campaign, with a focus on tribal territories and Latino communities – $1.59 million
• Addiction prevention services for families living in New York City shelters and Permanent Supportive Housing – $816,000

New Yorkers struggling with an addiction can find help and hope by calling the state’s toll-free, 24-hour, 7-day-a-week HOPEline at 1-877-8-HOPENY (1-877-846-7369) or by texting HOPENY (Short Code 467369).

Rick Huber

JAMESTOWN – The number of people using heroin and opioids in Chautauqua County hasn’t gone down this year, but it hasn’t grown either.

That’s the assessment from Rick Huber from the Mental Health Association (MHA) in Chautauqua County, who took time out this week to stop by WRFA’s Community Matters program and give us an update on the state of drug addiction and recovery in our area for 2017.

Huber, who serves as MHA director of new program development, said based on the number of individuals who’ve come into the MHA so far this year it appears that heroin use has leveled off, although there has been an increase in the number of users for another dangerous drug…

“Heroin seems to have leveled off, but it has not not decreased by any stretch and we’re still seeing a number of fatal overdoses, even with Narcan available as it is,” Huber said. “But we’ve seen meth really on the rise and now we’re hearing things about marijuana cut with fetynal, cocaine, and we’re still seeing crack out there, so it hasn’t slowed down any, from our view point, at all.”

When it comes to tracking the number of deaths that heroin has caused in Chautauqua County, Huber says that remains a challenge, partly because of the county doesn’t have its own medical examiner to investigate the specific cause of death.

“It’s the structure within our county, where we have county coroners instead of a medical examiner that things can come out of,” Huber said. “I know Christine Schuyler, Chautauqua County Director of Health and Human Services, is really trying to get a handle on this and get us some accurate statistics on this because we really need that to help fight this battle.”

For the first half of 2017, the local MHA has had 8500 total visits with 411 separate individuals coming into the facility seeking peer services.  The MHA Has assisted 359 gaining access to treatment or medical services, 67 gaining employment, seven enrolling in college, 13 gaining their GED, and 130 gaining stable housing.

For more information on the MHA, stop by the facility at the Gateway Center at 31 Water Street or call (716) 661-9044.

The complete interview with Huber will be rebroadcast this weekend at noon on Sunday. It will also be posted online at our website early next week.

NY Governor Andrew Cuomo

ALBANY – New York Governor Andrew Cuomo is continuing his criticism of Republican Lawmakers’ effort to repeal the Affordable Care Act with their own health care plan called the American Health Care Act.

The governor wrote an op-ed  piece that appeared in the New York Daily News on Tuesday, in which he blasted the Senate for proposing cuts to Medicaid at a time when the U.S. is dealing with the biggest drug epidemic in the nation’s history.

The governor said that while states like New York continue to fight against the opioid epidemic, the health care legislation being advanced in the Senate would strip Medicaid funding used for drug treatment services that save lives and keep families intact.

In New York, federal, state and local Medicaid funding makes up two-thirds of the state’s yearly budget for substance use programs — nearly $800 million of a total $1.2 billion. The governor said those funds allowed the state to treat 234,000 people for substance use in 2016 alone.

Gov. Cuomo said Cutting Medicaid would devastate New York’s ability to treat those who need help battling an opioid addiction, through treatment, crisis, detox and counseling services.

“The Senate legislation in its current form would phase out federal funds that are used to expand eligibility for Medicaid and slash billions of dollars from Medicaid, ” The governor said. The bill would eliminate $772 billion from Medicaid over 10 years nationwide.

“While the Republican health care bill includes $2 billion for opioid treatment, and may add as much as $45 billion over 10 years, this funding is nowhere near enough,” the Governor said. “Money for opioid treatment alone, without Medicaid expansion, can only address the tip of the iceberg of this epidemic. Many rely on Medicaid coverage in order to access treatment at all — so access to these programs would be dramatically reduced. In our state, this is unacceptable.”

Drugs are now the leading cause of death for Americans under 50, resulting in the first decline in American life expectancy since 1993. Deaths resulting from drug overdose increased 20 percent between 2014 and 2015 to more than 2,300 in one year in New York — more than twice the number of motor vehicle fatalities.

The U.S. Senate is expected to act on its version of the GOP health care bill next week. The House already approved its version earlier this year. If the Senate has enough votes to move its bill forward, the two legislative bodies will have to reconcile the differences in each version before final passage and moving it onto the president’s desk for his signature.