SULLIVAN COUNTY –– There were 43 deaths in the County as a result of the opioid crisis in 2021. During Thursday’s Public Safety and Law Enforcement Committee meeting, County Coroner Albee Bockman told legislators that through August, there have already been 34 deaths due to opioids in 2022, with four months remaining.

“There’s been no change in what we’re seeing in the opioid crisis here,” said Bockman. “... What we’re seeing when we get the pathology reports back from Albany [is] that it is really fentanyl … Unless we do something in this country, at our southern border, it’s just not going to end.” 

He also said they’ve recently been made aware of rainbow fentanyl, which  the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) describes as fentanyl pills and powder that come in a variety of bright colors, shapes, and sizes.

“Dubbed ‘rainbow fentanyl’ in the media, this trend appears to be a new method used by drug cartels to sell highly addictive and potentially deadly fentanyl made to look like candy to children and young people,” the DEA explains. 

Last month, the DEA reported that they and their law enforcement partners seized brightly-colored fentanyl and fentanyl pills in 18 states.  The DEA further states that brightly-colored fentanyl is being seized in multiple forms, including pills, powder, and blocks that resemble sidewalk chalk. 

“Despite claims that certain colors may be more potent than others, there is no indication through DEA’s laboratory testing that this is the case,” said the DEA. “Every color, shape, and size of fentanyl should be considered extremely dangerous.”

‘Busy summer’

Giving updates on public safety, EMS, E911, as well as Bureau of Fire, Sullivan County Fire Coordinator John Hauschild noted that there’ve been some major structure fires, brush fires, drownings and very serious motor vehicle accidents. He also added that in July, County 911 Center calls were up 10 percent compared to July 2021.

“It’s been a very busy summer for emergency services,” said Hauschild, later adding, “I personally just want to thank every first responder, whether it be fire, EMS, law enforcement, whoever, for their continued dedication, support in working together with all the agencies.”