Faso Participates in Opioid Forum at Monticello High School
Washington D.C. – Congressman John Faso (R-Kinderhook) last night participated in a community-wide opioid prevention forum at Monticello High School that was hosted by the RJK PTO and the Monticello Central School District.
All parents, guardians, and adult community members were invited to attend the event and listen to numerous presentations and panels that detailed information about opioid abuse and resources available to address opioid concerns.
“Opioid abuse is a genuine epidemic and a national crisis. Educational efforts are a big part of combating the opioid epidemic as for years opioids were overprescribed and their addictive qualities insufficiently highlighted,” said Faso. “Community initiatives have shown to be one of the more effective methods of stemming this crisis. I was glad to participate and am encouraged by the knowledge and work local officials are doing on the ground.”
Monticello Central School District Superintendent Tammy Mangus introduced the presenters and officials in attendance. As part of the event, Rep. Faso delivered opening remarks, which was followed by a presentation from New York State Trooper Craig A. Vedder, the School and Community Outreach Coordinator for Greene, Orange, Rockland, Sullivan, and Ulster counties.
“Trooper Vedder’s experience and on-the-ground role informed his presentation that detailed alcohol and drug abuse trends amongst students,” said Faso. “The presentation was concerning and effective in detailing the trouble that alcohol and drug abuse causes our youth. In order to fight the opioid and alcohol abuse in the long-term, we must recognize and combat trends that glorify alcohol and drugs or make them more approachable to kids.”
Following the presentation from Trooper Vedder, a panel made up of local Sullivan Co. officials offered information on resources available to the community:
Rolland Bojo, Vice President Patient Care Services & CNO, Catskill Regional Medical Center
Joseph Todora, Commissioner, Division of Health & Family Services, Sullivan County
Wendy Brown, Deputy Public Health Director, Sullivan County
Mike Schiff, Sheriff, Sullivan County
Jim Farrell, District Attorney, Sullivan County
Dr. Dean Scher, CEO Catholic Charities of Orange and Sullivan Counties
