Poughkeepsie... The Dutchess County Department of Behavioral & Community Health announced today a Chemical Dependency Public Forum to be held on Thursday, April 21st at 4pm at the Mental Health America of Dutchess County, 253 Mansion Street - Conference Room B in the City of Poughkeepsie.
“No segment of our community is immune from the impact of alcohol, tobacco, and illicit drug abuse,” said Commissioner Henry M. Kurban, MD, MBA, MPH, FACPM. “The recent surge in heroin and other opioid-related deaths has amplified the tragic consequences this disease has had on our families, friends, neighbors, and co-workers.”
Dr. Kurban noted the rate of accidental drug overdose death in Dutchess County has nearly tripled since 2000 from 3 per 100,000 residents (9 deaths) in 2000 to 21 per 100,000 residents (62 deaths) in 2015, following a similar trend across the nation. In 2015, eighty-five percent of overdose deaths in Dutchess County involved opioids.
“With the number of annual accidental overdose deaths growing to exceed the number of motor vehicle deaths, I am grateful for steps to reduce these deaths, including the ready availability of Narcan to resuscitate individuals,” said Kurban. “Public input is one way you can let us know what works and what is needed. Let us know what we can do to better serve our community.”
Individuals are invited to share their thoughts and ideas about service needs for the 2017 Local Governmental Plan for Chemical Dependency. Families are especially encouraged to participate and provide input about what services are needed in our community.
If you are unable to attend, or if you do not feel comfortable speaking in public, the Department welcomes written comments to be read to those in attendance. You may submit your comments online at www.dutchessny.gov/forumcomments, or you may Fax comments to (845) 486-3690, or mail to: Chemical Dependency Public Forum, 230 North Rd, Poughkeepsie, NY 12601.
This event is sponsored by the Chemical Dependency Subcommittee of the Dutchess County Mental Hygiene Board. For more information, please call (845) 486-2824.
