Erie County, NY – Erie County Legislator Barbara Miller-Williams announced that on Thursday June 8, 2017, the full Legislature approved $1 Million in funding to combat the ongoing Opioid Crisis in Erie County. Representatives from Erie County Health Department and Erie County Sheriff were also there to show their support for this much needed funding.

The Legislature’s approval also allows the Health Department to use $112,721 for the purchase of 3,000 more potent versions of Narcan. This new stock of the life saving drugs will be similar to those recently distributed to City of Buffalo Police and Fire personnel for use in areas with an increased incidence of opioid related overdoses.

“We are at a critical time in Erie County and I commend my colleagues for supporting this initiative. I am confident that the funding for the three additional positions, that are still on the table, will be allocated to the Erie County Sheriff’s Division to help those who come into the Holding Center or Correctional Facility and are in desperate need of a discharge plan,” stated Legislator Barbara Miller-Williams.

The opioid crisis here in Erie County has claimed the lives of hundreds of constituents in the past year alone. A resolution was introduced into the Legislature to increase funding for programs and opportunities related to combatting the crisis upon recommendation of the Erie County Opioid Task Force. The Task Force and Legislature also see the initiative as an effective strategy for County departments to address the current gaps in services.