Cultura y noticias hispanas del Valle del Hudson
A corner in Newburgh, photo by Nohan Meza
The Opioid Crisis in the Hudson Valley
August 2024Opioids are highly addictive substances that initially help relieve intense physical pain. According to the CDC (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention), drug overdose is a public health crisis. In 2022, an estimated 54.6 million Americans needed treatment for substance use disorders, but only 13.1 million people received treatment. Drug overdoses have dramatically increased in the last two decades, with deaths rising by more than 500% between 1999 and 2022. Drug overdose figures show worrying trends and increasing disparities among different population groups.
In the state of New York, according to the most recent report from the state Department of Health, the counties of Ulster, Sullivan, Dutchess, Orange, and Columbia are on the list of the 15 counties with the highest rates of opioid-related deaths and non-fatal opioid overdoses and related hospital events. In 2021, there were 136 overdose-related deaths in Orange County, representing a rate of nearly 34 deaths per 100,000 inhabitants. In Ulster County in 2021, there were 48 overdose deaths, which represents a rate of 26 deaths per 100,000 inhabitants. In Sullivan County, 37 people died from overdoses in 2021, at a rate of 46 people per 100,000 inhabitants, a much lower rate than the 68 recorded in 2020, but still double the state average.
These figures also apply to the Hispanic population. A recent report by SAMHSA (Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration) explains that “For the Hispanic/Latino population, opioid misuse stemming from the excessive use of painkillers is also a significant pathway to opioid misuse.” Moreover, certain physical jobs like military service or construction “increase the risk of injuries and the consequent need for painkillers.”
Recently, the New York Times reported that the leading cause of death among construction workers is overdose. Considering that 55% of construction jobs (mostly contractors without health insurance or paid sick days) come from counties with a high Hispanic population (Dutchess and Orange), and with opioid use rates among Latino youth increasing, it is essential to have the necessary resources to get help and recovery.
“Just because they were addicts doesn’t mean we love them any less,” lamented Cynthia Gilkeson, a Newburgh resident, during a vigil held at the Newburgh Armory on August 30, 2023, in memory of those who died due to addictions. Cynthia is the mother of Alexander Gilkeson, a 27-year-old who passed away in August 2021 after a long battle with addiction. “This boy wanted to be sober, he just didn’t know how to do it,” Cynthia explained, who spoke to him three days before his death. In that call, her son told her, “I’m coming home soon since it’s been six months since I’ve been sober.” The vigil was filled with similar accounts.
Governor Hochul announced in February 2024 funding of over $55 million to support addiction services across the state. Most of these funds come from legal settlements with pharmaceutical companies and distributors like Johnson & Johnson, Purdue Pharma, and Walgreens due to their roles in pushing opioid use and prescription, exacerbating the crisis. However, following state budget cuts, these funds are not being used as an additional resource but as a replacement for the state budget. Melissa Stickle, Director of Community Services for Sullivan County, emphasizes that “Addiction is a chronic brain disease, not a lack of willpower,” and therefore, the state should not reduce its budget. A portion of these funds goes directly to municipalities, and the rest is available for organizations to apply and receive funds for new or existing initiatives.
Stevenson Monchery, Community Liaison Coordinator for the TEAM Newburgh coalition, during one of the city walks where he distributes sanitary equipment for substance use, explains, “We are trying to be the center where we connect with the Newburgh community.” While the alleys of the city of Newburgh show the level of the crisis – you can find used needles on any corner, sometimes by the dozens – TEAM Newburgh connects with the community with a smile, without judgment, recognizing that addiction should not exclude but rather unite the community to combat a crisis that affects the entire country.
Of course, the goal is not to reach an overdose or worse, which is why it is important to recognize the signs that someone might be using unregulated opioids. Some physical signs include: missing medication bottles; burned or lost spoons and/or bottle caps; syringes; small bags with powder residues; missing shoelaces and/or belts.
At the vigil, several local organizations (listed below) were present, sharing their services and talking to attendees while several people lined up to leave a small bag with a message for their loved ones and an electric candle in their memory at the event's center. By the end, the folding chairs were put away, and people, perhaps emotionally burdened but somehow a bit lighter, returned to their cars and their daily lives. Through the windows, you could still see the candles' glow, representing those who are no longer here.
The next vigil will take place in Sullivan County on August 29 at 6 pm in the Monticello court garden (414 Broadway) in memory of people who died from overdoses. August 31 is International Overdose Awareness Day.
Ulster County
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La Voz, Cultura y noticias hispanas del Valle de Hudson
These figures also apply to the Hispanic population. A recent report by SAMHSA (Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration) explains that “For the Hispanic/Latino population, opioid misuse stemming from the excessive use of painkillers is also a significant pathway to opioid misuse.” Moreover, certain physical jobs like military service or construction “increase the risk of injuries and the consequent need for painkillers.”
Recently, the New York Times reported that the leading cause of death among construction workers is overdose. Considering that 55% of construction jobs (mostly contractors without health insurance or paid sick days) come from counties with a high Hispanic population (Dutchess and Orange), and with opioid use rates among Latino youth increasing, it is essential to have the necessary resources to get help and recovery.
“Just because they were addicts doesn’t mean we love them any less,” lamented Cynthia Gilkeson, a Newburgh resident, during a vigil held at the Newburgh Armory on August 30, 2023, in memory of those who died due to addictions. Cynthia is the mother of Alexander Gilkeson, a 27-year-old who passed away in August 2021 after a long battle with addiction. “This boy wanted to be sober, he just didn’t know how to do it,” Cynthia explained, who spoke to him three days before his death. In that call, her son told her, “I’m coming home soon since it’s been six months since I’ve been sober.” The vigil was filled with similar accounts.
Governor Hochul announced in February 2024 funding of over $55 million to support addiction services across the state. Most of these funds come from legal settlements with pharmaceutical companies and distributors like Johnson & Johnson, Purdue Pharma, and Walgreens due to their roles in pushing opioid use and prescription, exacerbating the crisis. However, following state budget cuts, these funds are not being used as an additional resource but as a replacement for the state budget. Melissa Stickle, Director of Community Services for Sullivan County, emphasizes that “Addiction is a chronic brain disease, not a lack of willpower,” and therefore, the state should not reduce its budget. A portion of these funds goes directly to municipalities, and the rest is available for organizations to apply and receive funds for new or existing initiatives.
Stevenson Monchery, Community Liaison Coordinator for the TEAM Newburgh coalition, during one of the city walks where he distributes sanitary equipment for substance use, explains, “We are trying to be the center where we connect with the Newburgh community.” While the alleys of the city of Newburgh show the level of the crisis – you can find used needles on any corner, sometimes by the dozens – TEAM Newburgh connects with the community with a smile, without judgment, recognizing that addiction should not exclude but rather unite the community to combat a crisis that affects the entire country.
Treatments
There are several ways to treat addiction. The National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIH) indicates that the first line of treatments for opioid abuse is medication. The main ones are methadone, buprenorphine, naltrexone, and lofexidine. Their use helps detoxify the body and cognitively adapt to the lack of the addictive substance. When someone stops using opioids or other substances, they may experience strong withdrawal symptoms such as anxiety, insomnia, and depression. These medications help maintain treatment and relieve physical, emotional, and mental sensations.Some Signs
To respond to an overdose event and critical situation, training in the use of Narcan (or naloxone by its generic name) is essential. Narcan is an injection that reverses the overdose process of opioids with substances like heroin, fentanyl, and prescription opioids. Naloxone accessibility can save the life of someone in an overdose.Of course, the goal is not to reach an overdose or worse, which is why it is important to recognize the signs that someone might be using unregulated opioids. Some physical signs include: missing medication bottles; burned or lost spoons and/or bottle caps; syringes; small bags with powder residues; missing shoelaces and/or belts.
At the vigil, several local organizations (listed below) were present, sharing their services and talking to attendees while several people lined up to leave a small bag with a message for their loved ones and an electric candle in their memory at the event's center. By the end, the folding chairs were put away, and people, perhaps emotionally burdened but somehow a bit lighter, returned to their cars and their daily lives. Through the windows, you could still see the candles' glow, representing those who are no longer here.
The next vigil will take place in Sullivan County on August 29 at 6 pm in the Monticello court garden (414 Broadway) in memory of people who died from overdoses. August 31 is International Overdose Awareness Day.
Resources
OASAS NY: Naloxone kits and testing strips by mail upon request. Hope NY: Bilingual and free telephone line available 24 hours to provide support for substance abuse - 1-877-8-HOPENYUlster County
- Samadhi NY: Clinic for mental and physical health support for substance abuse. 150 Sawkill Rd, Kingston, NY 12401, 845-853-8148
- Dora Inés Grosso García: Provides naloxone use training in Spanish. Send a message to 845-417-3446
- County Government: Offers virtual naloxone use training. Each person will receive a free Narcan kit upon completing the training. 230 North Rd. Poughkeepsie, NY 12603, 845-486-2700
- Team Newburgh: Education, prevention, and distribution of kits to use medications or substances safely and reduce risk. They speak Spanish. 280 Broadway, Newburgh, NY 12550, 845-569-0034 Ext. 1830
- Independent Living Inc: Free and anonymous Narcan kits. They also provide free Narcan use training and have a recovery center. 263 Route 17K, Newburgh NY 12550, 845-725-1230
- Sullivan County Community Services Center: Naloxone use training, mental, and physical health support. 845-292-5910
- Hope not Handcuffs: Collaboration between community organizations and legal police departments. Accessible at all county police stations. 833-428-HOPE
- Alcoholism and Drug Addiction Support Center: Provides resources, training, and information to identify cases and take action. They also support awareness through talks and workshops. 845-215-9788, [email protected]
- CANDLE: School prevention program. 120 North Main Street, Suite 301, New City, NY 10956, 845-634-6677
- Catholic Charities: Naloxone use training, as well as mental and physical health support for opioid abuse.
- Columbia: 431 East Allen St. Hudson, NY 12534, 518-828-8660
- Greene: 66 Williams St. Catskill, NY 12414, 518-943-1462
COPYRIGHT 2024
La Voz, Cultura y noticias hispanas del Valle de Hudson
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