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Fighting drug abuse from the road

Anthony Morgano - Reporter / Photographer
Posted 7/18/17

MONTICELLO — “This billboard says, ‘This county is doing something about it,'” said Sullivan County Deputy Manager Dan Depew.

The “it” he was talking about is the growing opioid …

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Fighting drug abuse from the road

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MONTICELLO — “This billboard says, ‘This county is doing something about it,'” said Sullivan County Deputy Manager Dan Depew.

The “it” he was talking about is the growing opioid epidemic, and the billboard was created by Sullivan County Public Health Services and revealed to the public on Friday.

The billboard features a 24/7 information and referral phone number for those struggling with addiction or mental health concerns.

Public Health Director Nancy McGraw hosted the event that revealed the number for the new information line as 866-832-5575.

Featured guest speakers from all over the county and beyond included NY State Senator John Bonacic, and District Attorney Jim Farrell, each applauding Sullivan County for standing up to the drug problem that we face in our communities.

“It's not a stigma, it's a disease. Please call, there's help out there,” explained Bonacic, who has been supporting a legislative package of more than a dozen bills to combat statewide heroin and opioid addiction.

The billboard will be located along Route 42 in Kiamesha Lake. There are smaller versions on display at the Government Center and Public Health Services in Liberty. There are also handheld and wallet-size copies for easy distribution.

McGraw cautioned, however, that it is not an emergency services number, and people should still call 911 if there is a life-threatening issue.

When calling the number. #HopeNY will put callers and texters in touch with real people willing and ready to help in determining how best to access the places and programs available.

District 3 Legislator Mark McCarthy gave a powerful personal account of his struggle with addiction that started in adolescence. He urged people to reach out without fear and start anew.

“I just want to reach out to anyone who's suffering themselves to let you know that there are people all around you, people that you don't even know, that are in recovery,” McCarthy explained. “They've been through it, they know about it, they understand it, and they care.”

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