To the editor: 

I’m a Sullivan County resident, an ER Nurse Paramedic, currently enrolled in the RN to Nursing Master’s degree program at Excelsior University and doing research to empower drug users to be proactive in discovering which harm reduction programs are most effective in Sullivan County. 

The New York Department of Health has identified Sullivan County as having the third-highest number of overdose deaths in New York State, with most deaths occurring at the place of residence. DOH statistics show that opioids such as heroin were the leading cause of deaths among male drug users between the ages of 24 and 44. Data collected in 2024 by Emergency Medical Services (EMS) revealed that Naloxone, which is used to prevent deaths by opioid overdose, had a high administration rate among males between the ages of 45 and 64. To be effective in the overdose crisis, the Office of Drug Users’ Health recommends involving drug users to help identify what works in the community to reduce harm from opioid overdose. 

Engaging drug users will empower them to be proactive in choosing which harm reduction programs work for them and are most effective in Sullivan County. Giving a voice to those mostly affected by the opioid overdose crisis will build a better understanding and support for those at risk of opioid overdose death in Sullivan County.

Carlos Aguilar Jule, 

ER Nurse Paramedic

Kiamesha Lake