MONTICELLO — The Sullivan County Quick Response Team (QRT) is getting an important county-wide upgrade, according to District Attorney Brian Conaty last Friday.

This interagency partnership—designed to help curb opioid overdoses and connect individuals to faster treatment—collaborates with the Sullivan County District Attorney’s Office, the Village of Liberty Police Department, Hope Not Handcuffs, and various county agencies to expand the QRT countywide.

Speaking at a conference before press and county officials, Conaty spotlighted the county’s opioid crisis as both a public safety and public health crisis. He stressed that the ever-growing number of tragic deaths from overdoses reaches far beyond arrests and prosecutions and requires a response greater than that.

“Every overdose is a call to action. Every life saved is a step to a stronger, safer Sullivan County,” stated Conaty. “Recognizing the opioid crisis as a criminal justice and public health crisis, I was determined to find an innovative approach that responds quickly to overdoses, connecting individuals to treatment, and preventing future harm to the public.”

Conaty reflected back to 2022, in which Liberty Police Chief Steven D’Agata, along with the Liberty Police Department, pioneered the first QRT in the county. He exampled this model, with its goal aimed at rapid outreach after non-fatal overdoses, peer-driven support, and treatment referrals, as the primary blueprint for this effort. 

This expansion was made possible thanks to federal funding from the Comprehensive Opioid, Stimulant, and Substance Use Program, as well as support from the Sullivan County Legislature and county administration.

With this new structure, the county will deploy a dedicated full-time police officer to QRT work as they partner with certified Hope Not Handcuffs peer specialists. After a non-fatal overdose, the specialized team will reach out within 24 to 72 hours regardless of location and work diligently with individuals and their families toward recovery resources, treatment placements, and transportation.

“This collaboration (with the Comprehensive Opioid, Stimulant, and Substance Use Program) allows us to expand this program county-wide,” affirmed Conaty. 

“[This] ensures that no matter where someone experiences a non-fatal overdose in Sullivan County, a trained team will reach out … with help, compassion, and hope.”

Chief D’Agata traced the program’s evolution from its early days. At first, Liberty officers would follow up after overdoses with a distribution of Narcan.

As the model grew, trained peer specialists were added to the group, followed by later correspondence with the Town of Fallsburg Police Department and the Sullivan County Jail on engaging with individuals prior to their release.

D’Agata stated that the program has already connected hundreds of people to services. This support has extended even further with the addition of a certified family coach in recent months to help navigate substance abuse challenges.

He noted how this county-wide expansion represents a turning point in how public safety agencies respond to the opioid crisis.

“This is what the future of policing, public safety, and public health can look like,” emphasized D’Agata. “Not just enforcing laws, but protecting life in every sense of the word.”

Hope Not Handcuffs Program Director Greg Metakes shared that sentiment. He stated his observation that Sullivan County has seen year-over-year decreases in fatal overdoses and a decrease in non-fatal overdoses as well. To this, he credited the success of collaboration between agencies and increased investment in rapid-response models.

Metakes also outlined the program’s “walk-in” model as a capability, as well as their willingness to assist anybody directly reaching out to them.

“I want to thank our Sullivan County Legislature, County Manager Josh Potosek, and in particular Deputy County Manager Michelle Bowers, whose dedication and hard work helped get this project over the finish line,” stated Conaty. “Their willingness to invest in dependable partnership with our community partners ensures that Sullivan County can continue to innovate public safety.”