By Mike Pettinella The Genesee-Orleans-Wyoming Opioid Task Force has added another weapon in the battle to prevent opioid overdose deaths: a Text for Naloxone Line. “We are very excited to offer this free and confidential text line to the community. Now, more than...
By Mike Pettinella Looking back at Scott Davis’ journey to recovery, it is clear to see that the Orange County native – and former Batavian – was ahead of his time. Davis took his first sip of alcohol at the age of 11, escalated his drug use to LSD and ecstasy in his...
By Mike Pettinella Attitudes toward substance use disorder and words that reflect those attitudes can have a tremendous effect on the recovery process of those struggling with addiction. “Stigma is defined as a mark of disgrace and that (disgrace) is a pretty powerful...
By Mike Pettinella Diana Padilla, research project manager at the New York State Psychiatric Institute, Division of Substance Use Disorders, Columbia University Medical Center, will be the keynote speaker at a “Reducing Stigma in Our Communities” training in the...
By Mike Pettinella Deaths from drug overdoses, many of them involving fentanyl, are on the rise, and all neighborhoods – urban and rural – are at risk. Officials of public safety agencies and the health department in Genesee County say they are united in their effort...