UTICA — The Oneida County Opioid Task Force held a summit at SUNY Polytechnic Institute on Dec. 4 at which it announced its new structure and the utilization of recently-obtained grant funding.
The reorganization meeting brought together the Task Force’s members, partners and stakeholders and featured opening remarks from Co-Chairs Oneida County Executive Anthony J. Picente Jr., Sheriff Rob Maciol and District Attorney Scott McNamara
“The Oneida County Opioid Task Force has been having an immense impact on this scourge that has plagued our community,” Picente said. “The current moment lends itself to greater stakeholder involvement and collaboration in attacking the opioid epidemic. The restructuring of our Task Force will maximize cross-sector engagement, and utilize a holistic approach that employs evidence-based strategies and practices informed by people with substance use disorder to produce even greater results.”
Originally formed in 2016, the Opioid Task Force will continue to be overseen by a steering committee, but will now include subgroups comprised of a prevention, recovery and treatment enhancement teams. The Oneida County Overdose Response Team will also be included as a Task Force subgroup.