How do rural counties with limited resources combat an issue as multifaceted as heroin and opiate addiction?

Quite simply, they collaborate to find common-sense practices to beat the dragon.

In January, officials, doctors, healthcare providers, and community members from three counties -- Genesee, Orleans and Wyoming -- formed the GOW Opioid Task Force.

Its goal is to not only raise awareness of the growing epidemic but to also find and compile: a list of resources available to addicts and their families; data on the number of overdoses, deaths, and uses of naloxone within each county; and identifying roadblocks to treatment.

During the July meeting, a roadmap of sorts was laid out for the Task Force.

From the time an individual is born, they are, to some degree, rated on performing tasks independently. Doctors gauge a child’s progress: Sits independently. Walks independently. Teachers grade a student’s performance: Works independently. It’s a skill desirable to some employers: Must be able to work independently.

It is a mantra instilled in a person's mind from a very young age: Be an individual. Don’t follow the crowd. Learn to be independent. Yet, there are times, when being independent becomes counterproductive to the needs of a community.

Although each of the GOW counties are afflicted with the same problem – the increase in overdoses and deaths due to heroin and opiates – independently, there are gaps in services and help for both addicts and their families. However, collectively, the Task Force can help fill those gaps.

In an effort to find where each county is lacking and how to get funding for the resources it needs, the Task Force determined three areas to address: community education and action, data compilation and access to care.

Community education and action

Three goals were created to better educate the public:

    • Educate students, parents and community about the dangers of heroin and opioid use – Narcan training and education, sharps and medicine disposal sites, and develop materials for distribution;

    • Identify resources and local partnerships to help prevent use – pharmacies, law enforcement, recovery services, and mental health service; and

    • Develop recommendations for future goals and action steps to prevent use – encourage attendance and participation in Task Force meetings, recovery coaching, peer speakers, and more.

Data

Part of the requirements for applying for State funding is to have the data and statistics to back up the need. However, compiling those numbers becomes a collaborative effort between multiple agencies. Additionally, the task is further hindered by the fact that the Monroe County Medical Examiner’s (ME) Office handles cases from its own and the GOW counties. Subsequently, toxicology reports are often not received back for six months or more.

According to a recent report, the Monroe County Medical Examiner’s Office has performed 1,020 autopsies in 2016. In 2015 it was closer to 900. In 2008 approximately 975 were performed and in 2005 860. The years 2012 and 2013 both showed approximately 880.

The goals of this group are to develop a tool to track data, identify the data each county already has, and perform a gap analysis to identify missing data and create a plan to overcome any barrier.

Access to care

Again, a barrier addicts and family members face is access to care in relative proximity to where they live.

Officials say when an addict is ready to get the help they need to begin the recovery process, there is an immediacy to their need.

One of the goals of this group is to map out the access to care in the Western Region Naturally Occurring Care Network (NOCN).

The NOCNs include the Finger Lakes, Monroe, Southeastern, Southern, and Western regions of New York State.

In addition to finding a place to receive care, the group also identified eight groups of potential entry points for families and individuals in crisis. They include hospital emergency rooms, crisis hot line, primary care physicians, law enforcement, community-based organizations, healthcare homes, community-based groups, and schools and colleges.

Nationwide, every 17 minutes someone dies from an opioid overdose. About two years ago, there were 100 deaths in Erie County. In 2015, it more than doubled. In 2016, that number could reach over 500. That’s about 10 per week. February alone recorded 23 overdose deaths in just one week.

In Wyoming County, between 2010 and 2014 the number of opioid-related emergency department admissions increased 47.6 percent – 42 and 62. The number of opioid-related inpatient hospital admissions rose from 61 to 91 respectively – a 49.2-percent increase. 

According to a recent article in The Batavian, there were five deaths in Genesee County that the Monroe County Medical Examiner attributed to the overuse of opiate-related drugs in 2013.

In 2016, 17 deaths with toxicology completed were attributed to drug mixtures that included opiates, with four toxicology reports for last year still pending.

To date in 2017, there are seven deaths where toxicology is still pending.

Of the 17 known OD-related deaths in 2016, only five were attributed to heroin mixed with other drugs, whether prescription drugs and/or over-the-counter medications. (Note: the ME for 2016 was Erie County.)

There were nine deaths caused by a combination of prescription opiates mixed with other drugs.

There was one death caused by "acute and chronic substance abuse."

Of the 18 overdose deaths in 2015, 14 involved prescription opiates used in combination with other drugs and two were caused by heroin used in combination with other drugs.

In 2014, there were 12 drug-induced deaths. Nine of the 12 involved prescription opiates combined with other drugs. Heroin, used singularly or in combination with other drugs, contributed to three deaths. 

Between 2010 and 2014 those who were admitted for treatment for any opioid in Western New York was 7,679 in 2010. By 2014, the number of people seeking treatment rose by almost a third – 10,154 – a 32-percent increase.

Across the state, those in treatment for heroin use was 55,900 in 2010; in 2014, the number was 77,647. Deaths across the state due to heroin overdose increased 163 percent (215 in 2008, and 637 in 2013) and opioid overdoses increased 30 percent (763 to 952).

While nearby counties like Erie and Monroe have access to more mental health services and rehabilitation centers due to their populations, Genesee, Orleans and Wyoming counties struggle to find those same services closer to home for their residents.

The next meeting date and time for GOW Opioid Task Force to be determined.

For more information, Kristine Voos at Kristine.Voos@co.genesee.ny.us

Artist's rendering of City of Batavia's sundial, September 2015.

From our news partner WBTA:

Rumors were beginning to stir about construction being done to the fixture that sits at the entrance of City Hall on Main Street.

According to City Manager Jason Molino the work is not costing the community.

Molino said “The work that's being done to the sundial is work that was yet to be completed from its original installation and it is all funded through the sponsors of the centennial celebration, and this is just some finishing-up work -- putting the directional signs, north, south, east, west and then also creating a flower bed around it.”

The sundial was gifted to the city as part of the centennial celebration.

(Photo courtesy of Alicia Kaus, Video News Service.)

A barn fire is reported Quinlan and West Bergen roads in Le Roy. It's gone to a second alarm. Smoke is showing. The city, Stafford and Pavilion are called as mutual aid to Le Roy Fire Department.

UPDATE 1:46 p.m.: "We do have a working fire with exposures," says a first responder on scene.

UPDATE 2:05 p.m.: Le Roy command puts Stafford back in service; Mumford, which was responding, was also told to go back in service. Caledonia is responding.

UPDATE 2:13 p.m.: "Fire knocked down. Doing overhaul."

UPDATE 2:23 p.m.: Fire is out.

UPDATE 2:30 p.m.: The fire was caused by a lawn mower which caught fire after being used.

Today at the Cornell Cooperative Extension of Genesee County, 420 E. Main St. in Batavia, Master Gardener Maud Charpin (pictured above) presented a class on a “Do it yourself Terrarium.”

She spoke about what is needed to create your own, including supply lists, step-by-step instructions, and pamphlets for websites with video tutorials.

There are many types of creative ways to design your own terrarium including using glass to see through, small stones, dirt, different plants including moss, plus coffee filters, potting soil and decorations non-porous, non-organic. She said plants with different changing colors are a plus, too.

The half hour free monthly demonstrations are every first Tuesday of each month called “Garden Talk” presented by the Genesee County Master Gardeners. The open-to-the-public event is from 12:15-12:45 p.m. and registration is not required. 

Any questions call the office at 585-343-3040, ext. 101. Information can be found on genesee.cce.cornell.edu and their Facebook page: www.facebook.com/CCEofGenesee

You might have noticed I've not had a byline on the site the past three days.

Friday evening while hitting golf balls, while in my back swing, I felt a pop in my left knee and fell to the ground in pain. Billie took me to the emergency room. It looks like a slight tear to the meniscus and fluid on the knee. Since then, it's been really tough to walk. I'm stuck at home and can't get up stairs.

Billie just moved my computer downstairs so I can start doing some work again.

Hopefully, I'll be back to normal in a couple of weeks. In the meantime, it's going to be hard for me to get out and cover things. We've got a cast of freelancers to help with coverage, but my work will be confined to what I can do without leaving the house.

We like to keep people informed of things going on that affect the normal flow of coverage, so that's the story in this case.

Terry Weber, a member of the Batavia Society of Artists, has opened an art gallery and antique shop and has an art studio in the Old General Store on Route 63 in East Bethany.

Hours are noon to 5 p.m. Wednesdays through Sundays -- or anytime you see the "Open" flag flying outside.

If you are a member of the Batavia Society of Artists and mention your membership, you'll get a 15-percent discount on your entire purchase.

The location is five miles south on Route 63 from Batavia.

The Facebook page is under "Bethany Arts."

Press release:

The Le Roy American Legion, Botts-Fiorito Post #576, is again seeking nominees for selection as the 2017 ”LeRoyan of the Year” Award. This year will mark the 49^thconsecutive year in which the award has been presented.

Recognizing the importance of your organization’s position within the community, we would like to provide you with the opportunity to input and nominate a candidate(s) of your choosing.

This Award, is presented on behalf of the American Legion as part of the Legion’s “Americanism” Award and recognizes people who demonstrate the following qualities:

• A man or woman who exemplifies the true spirit of Americanism, its ideals, love of flag and country, regardless of race, creed or color;
• Good citizenship by carrying out these principles, often beyond what is expected;
• Service to the community, signified by excellence in life of purpose and accomplishments;

Copies of the nomination applications may be obtained at the Legion post; feel free to make copies as needed.

DEADLINE FOR SUBMISSION OF APPLICATION IS:  FRIDAY, AUG. 25.

Mail or drop off sealed applications to:

American Legion, Botts-Fiorito Post #576

Attn: Jerry Diskin, LeRoy of the Year Award Committee

53 W. Main St.

Le Roy, NY 14482-1426

Reader John Spaulding sent us this aerlial photo he took of Batavia on Sunday evening as he was preparing to land at the Genesee County Airport.

The Salvation Army offices on East Main Street will be closed tomorrow, Tuesday Aug. 1st, and the Senior Luncheon will be cancelled due to an interruption in water service at that location only. We plan to be back up and running our regular events on Wednesday. 

Press release:

The Town of Alabama Historical Society will host a dedication ceremony of the Town of Alabama Veterans Memorial at 11 a.m. on Saturday, Aug. 5.

The event will take place at the Alabama Town Hall, located at 2218 Judge Road, South Alabama.

Light refreshments will be served. The Town Museum will also be open.

If you would like more information about the Veterans Memorial, please contact Joe Cassidy, of the Town of Alabama Historical Society at (585) 813-2812 or email jcassid3@rochester.rr.com

Press release:

The New York State Education Department announced today (July 31) that 44 colleges and universities in New York will receive Liberty Partnerships Program grants totaling more than $17 million. Genesee Community College in Batavia will receive $450,000 in grant money from this program.

The Liberty Partnerships Program (LPP) is New York State’s only state-funded dropout prevention program directly connected to higher education which prepares students for post-secondary education and careers. Recipients of these higher education initiative grants will provide comprehensive programming for at-risk students to successfully graduate and transition into postsecondary education or a career path.

“It’s critically important that we develop new strategies to influence students as active participants in their own learning,” Board of Regents Chancellor Betty A. Rosa said. “LPP grants make it possible for colleges to create strong school and community partnerships to help keep New York’s children in school and continue into higher education and careers; it’s a priority for the Board of Regents and State Education Department.”

“So many of the at-risk students we’re trying to encourage to stay in school don’t have access to support,” Commissioner MaryEllen Elia said. “With these grants, students will have access to skills assessment, tutoring, personal and family counseling, as well as mentoring programs to help ensure that every student has an equal opportunity to further their education and achieve success in life.”

To be eligible, the Institution of Higher Education must have two partnerships:

1) A local education agency (LEA) that falls within the one of the categories below:

• school eligible for schoolwide programs under Title 1, Section 1114 of the Every Student Succeeds Act, and the families of these students; 
• school with at least 40 percent of students eligible for free or reduced-priced lunch;
• school identified as a focus, struggling, persistently struggling and/or persistently dangerous schools; or
• rural school with students at risk.

2) A Community Based Organization (CBO)

LPP was established by Governor Mario Cuomo in 1988 to address the significantly elevated high school dropout rate among New York’s youth. The drop-out prevention initiative serves approximately 13,000 students in grades 5-12. The program is designed to support the successful transition of middle and high school students at-risk of dropping out of school into graduates, fully prepared for the rigors of higher education and the competitive demands of a fluid workplace in a global economy.

There are currently 41 LPP programs at higher education institutions, working in collaboration with school districts and community-based organizations, across New York State. LPP provides students with one year of continuous services which include skills assessment, tutoring, academic and personal counseling, family counseling and home visits, and mentoring programs.

2015-16 Highlights

Statewide, the Liberty Partnerships Program (LPP) served 13,461 students. The average number of students per site was 328. A total of 443 partner schools participated in Liberty Partnerships programing during the 2015-2016 program year. 

Ninety-five percent of Liberty Partnership participants were promoted to the next level of education. A total of 2,110 seniors participating in the Liberty Partnerships graduated high school resulting in a 92-percent program-wide graduation rate. The majority of seniors plan to attend college or work full-time, with 92 percent graduating seniors planning to attend college. Sixteen percent of LPP graduating seniors planned to enter the workforce.

New Funding Cycle

Funding for LPP grants is from 2017 to 2022 and the project period is Sept. 1 through Aug. 31. Funding in years two through five is dependent on satisfactory performance, legislative appropriation, and the submission of an updated proposed project budget approved by SED.

For more information, please see the NYSED LPP website.

Photos and information provided by Anne Marie Starowitz.

The 2017 Holland Land Office Museum History Heroes Summer Program was eight days of fun-filled times celebrating the centennial of World War One.

Our 42 campers learned the full history of World War One and its connection to the history of Genesee County through the current exhibit “Over There to Over Here: 100 Years Later Genesee County in the Great War.”

The program included: a field trip to the Theodore Roosevelt Inaugural Site in Buffalo; a presentation from Teresa Wood about the Doughnut Girls of World War I; a visit by animals from the Buffalo Zoo; a historic walking tour of Downtown Batavia; a special screening at the Batavia Showtime movie theater; camper-ran Penny Carnival, which raised $160 for the local PTSD program at Veterans Hospital.

The program culminated in a patriotic program of history and music performed by the children at the Old County Courthouse.

We would like to thank all our sponsors for their support to make this program as enjoyable as possible, including those local restaurants that provided lunches: Ken’s Charcoal Pits, Batavia’s Original, and Ficarella’s Pizzeria. We would also like to thank all the volunteers that gave their time to make History Heroes possible.

Press release from the Genesee County Sheriff's Office:

The following people were arrested by the Genesee County Sheriff’s Office during the Brantley Gilbert concert at Darien Lake Performing Arts Center on July 30.

Scott M. Davis, 25. of Main Street, Perry, was arrested for trespass after allegedly reentering the concert venue after being ejected and told not to return. Davis was arraigned in Darien Court and jailed in lieu of $500 bail.

Matthew A, Martina, 35, of 15^th Street, Buffalo, was arrested for trespass after allegedly refusing to leave the concert venue after being ejected and told not to return.  Martina was arraigned in Darien Court and jailed in lieu of $300 bail.

Angela R. Richman, 36 of 15^th Street, Buffalo, was arrested for trespass after allegedly refusing to leave the concert venue after being ejected and told not to return.  Richman was arraigned in Darien Court and jailed in lieu of $100 bail.

Christopher J. Colin, 23, of Willow Drive, Hamburg, was arrested for trespass after allegedly reentering the concert venue after being ejected and told not to return.

Theodoret Adriaansen, 25, of Buffalo Street, Marion, was arrested for trespass after allegedly reentering the concert venue after being ejected and told not to return.

Kyle A. Grzywna, 25, of Kellogg Street, Alden, was arrested for second-degree harassment after allegedly tackling another patron and causing minor injuries.

Danilo Ramirez-Lopez, 21, of Elba, is charged with third-degree rape and endangering the welfare of a child. According to our news partner 13WHAM, State Police arrested Ramirez-Lopez after they said he raped a teen girl he met online. Investigators said they were called Sunday to investigate a reported rape in Allegany County. After investigating, troopers found the Elba resident had become friends over Facebook with the 16-year-old victim. On Sunday, police said Ramirez-Lopez drove to the victim’s home and raped her in another location. Ramirez-Lopez was arraigned and put in Allegany County Jail in lieu of $10,000 bail.

Nicholas M. Maher, 32, of Drake Street, Oakfield, is charged with second-degree harassment. Beginning in the late morning of July 21, he allegedly followed a female around on four separate occasions while inside two separate businesses in the City of Batavia. On one of the occasions, it is alleged that "Maher attempted to invite himself over to dinner." He was issued an appearance ticket and was due in court on July 25. The case was handled by Batavia Police Officer Jason Davis, assisted by Officer Frank Klimjack.

Ahmed Abdul Dockstader, 21, of Bloomingdale Road, Tonawanda Indian Reservation, is charged with fourth-degree criminal mischief. He was arrested at 3:29 p.m. on July 29 following an investigation of a disturbance in Alabama. He allegedly intentionally damaged the property of another person by punching the hood of the person's car. He was issued an appearance ticket for Town of Alabama Court on Aug. 29. The case was handled by Genesee County Sheriff's Deputy Michael Lute.

Taylor M. Bunch, 22, of Meigs St., Rochester, is charged with aggravated DWI -- having a BAC of .18 percent or greater, DWI, and failure to stop at a stop sign. At 12:47 a.m. on July 26, Bunch was involved in a motor-vehicle accident on Lake Avenue in the Town of Bergen and susbsequently arrested on the charges. He is due in Bergen Town Court on Sept. 9. The case was handled by Genesee County Sheriff's Deputy James Stack, assisted by Deputy Kevin Forsyth.

Gary D. Burney, 36, of 6 Pringle Ave., Batavia, is charged with first-degree criminal contempt (with a previous conviction) and resisting arrest. At 11:13 a.m. on July 27, Burney allegedly violated the terms of a duly served order of protection by being at the residence of two named protected persons. He is also accused of running away from officers after being told to stop and that he was under arrest. He was jailed in lieu of $100,000 cash bail. The case was handled by Batavia PoliceOfficer Frank Klimjack, assisted by Officer Jason Davis.

Dalton C. Kelley, 19, of Chase Park, Batavia, is charged with first-degree criminal contempt and second-degree harassment for allegedly violating a valid order of protection by harassing an acquaintance on Chase Park at 5:55 p.m. on July 29. He was issued an appearance ticket for City Court on Aug. 8. The case has handled by Batavia Police Officer Frank Klimjack.

A 16-year-old Batavia resident is charged with second-degree harassment. At 8:39 p.m. on July 20 on Summit Street, Batavia, the youth was allegedly involved in a disturbance during which she allegedly had physical contact with another female. She was issued an appearance ticket and is due in City Court on Aug. 1. The case was handled by Officer Mitchell Cowen, assisted by Officer Christopher Lindsay.

A 16-year-old Batavia resident is charged with second-degree harassment. At 8:39 p.m. on July 20 on Summit Street, Batavia, the youth was allegedly involved in a disturbance during which the defendant allegedly had physical contact with another person. The youth was issued an appearance ticket and is due in City Court on Aug. 1. The case was handled by Officer Christopher Lindsay, assisted by Officer Mitchell Cowen.

Michael Eugene Weichman, 22, of Pratt Road, Batavia, is charged with second-degree criminal contempt. He was arrested on July 28 after he allegedly violated an order of protection issued by Batavia Town Court by having a letter delivered to a subject he was to have no contact with. He is being held in GC Jail on seperate charges and is due in Batavia Town Court this afternoon (July 31). The case was handled by Genesee County Sheriff's Deputy Travis DeMuth.

Russell S. Brant Jr., 40, of North Fourth Street, Olean, is charged with violation of a Family Court act. He was turned over to the GC Sheriff's Office by the Cattaraugus County Sheriff's Office after he was arrested July 25 on a warrant issued by GC Family Court. He was jailed in GC Jail in lieu of $500 bail. The case was handled by Genesee County Sheriff's Deputy Richard Schildwaster.

Jessica L. Martina, 26, of Dellwood Road, Amherst, is charged with failure to appear. Martina was arrested by the Niagara County Sheriff's Officer and turned over to Batavia PD on a City Court bench warrant. She posted bail, was issued an appearance ticket and released. She is due in City Court on Aug. 15. The case was handled by Batavia Police Officer Stephen Cronmiller.

Jonathon M. Ryan, 24, of Walnut Street, Batavia, is charged with unlawful possession of marijuana. He was arrested at 11:46 p.m. om July 25 on West Main Street after a traffic stop in which he was allegedly found tto be in possession of marijuana. He was released on an appearance ticket and is due in City Court on Aug. 1. The case was handled by Batavia Police Officer Matthew Wojtaszczyk.

A feed fire in a cooler is reported at the Cargill plant on Wortendyke Road, Batavia. East Pembroke and Town of Batavia fire departments are responding along with Mercy medics. Cargill Animal Nutrition is located at 8849 Wortendyke Road.

UPDATE 11:30 a.m.: Also called to respond are the City's Fast Team, Oakfield, Alexander, Darien and Pembroke fire departments.

UPDATE 1:33 p.m.: The fire is out; the assignment is back in service.

(Photos and information provided by Alecia Kaus of Video News Service.)

Dozens and dozens of people gathered at Alexander High School's football field today to unite in their sorrow and yet have "nice, clean fun" with a couple of pickup football games in honor of Brian D. West Jr., who died earlier this month in an accident.

The East Bethany resident was 17, a proud Trojan (#54) who loved playing football for Alexander HS.

His big sister, Miranda, said the outpouring of community support for her little brother has been amazing. On this bright, hot Sunday afternoon cars were still piling in at 2:30 for the event, from Alexander, Bethany, East Bethany, Attica, Batavia, Medina and other locales.

"This is for people who might have trouble going to the services or calling hours," Miranda said, adding that it was also a fundraiser, with all donations going to establish a scholarship with the Alexander football club.

A deserving student will get a scholarship at the end of the 2017-18 academic year, and hopefully there will be enough funds to  provide a scholarship annually over a 10-year period and perhaps beyond, Miranda said.

"We really just don't want him forgotten," Miranda said.

Brian died at 5:20  a.m. July 10 as a result of injuries in a rollover accident reported at 10:39 p.m. near his home. He lost control of the Chevy Avalanche he was driving and crashed on West Bethany Road. He was airlifted to Strong Memorial Hospital in Rochester.

Of course, the sudden tragedy hit the family and those who knew him hard.

They expressed their grief with phone calls, text messages, T-shirts, bumper sticks, social media messages, a sky lantern ceremony, donations, and words of encouragement.

"It's never going to be easy, but this is something that's going to make it easier for us," Miranda said of all the support.

The entire West family is grateful for it.

"We really, really, really, want to say 'thank you so much from the bottom of our hearts,' " Miranda said.

Previously:

• UPDATED: Teenager dies following rollover accident on West Bethany Road
• Brian West, Jr., will be missed by Alexander community
• Obituary
• In Alexander Monday night, 17 paper lanterns light to sky in memory of Brian West Jr.

Miranda West

'

Between four to six vehicles are roadside on Sumner Road in Darien -- didn't get the address -- and the occupants are outside in a dispute. One male with a beard displayed a long gun; another male is armed with a machete. The occupant with a long gun allegedly came out of a gray Dodge Ram pickup with North Carolina plates. Genesee County Sheriff's deputies just arrived on scene.