The Healing Cortland initiative is concerned by the increasing number of opioid-related deaths throughout our community and the country. Cortland County appears to be experiencing an increase in overdose deaths based on preliminary data shared by the Cortland County’s Coroner’s Office. There have been 21 fatal opioid overdoses in 2020, up from 10 the previous year.

Healing Cortland would like to assure Cortland residents that we are aware of the crisis and are proactively taking action. We would also like to remind community members that our first line of defense against overdose deaths is wide distribution Narcan, a life saving medication, coupled with the Good Samaritan Law that allows anyone to call 911 without fear of arrest for simple possession/use of an illegal drug. Narcan is available for free at various community locations, including the Health Department but also programs such as Healing Hearts Collaborative, run by a Dean O’Gorman who lost his son to an overdose. There is even a mail order service that will anonymously send Narcan to your doorstep, making it as easy as possible to access this life-saving medication. For a complete list, visit our site. 

Cortland County is 1 of 16 communities throughout New York State (and 1 of 67 cities throughout in 4 states) that is participating in the HEALing Communities Study, which has the goal of reducing opioid deaths by 40% over the next 3 years. Communities that experience many opioid overdose deaths were chosen, with a focus on rural communities in an effort to test evidence-based practices and reduce the stigma of opioid use disorder and treatment.

For years, community agencies have partnered on prescription drug disposal events, Narcan trainings, and other strategies. This new initiative will enhance the work already being done and fill existing gaps to prevent opioid misuse, improve the well-being of those struggling with opioid use and prevent further opioid-related deaths.

Since the project began a few months ago, we have had many conversations, collected data and have begun convening groups to make improvements to current practices while working towards implementing evidence-based strategies that can and will reduce opioid deaths. 

The project is also working to bring hope and reduce stigma around addiction. Addiction is treatable and anyone can recover from opioid use disorder. It has to be understood that, just like with any other chronic disease, it is a long-term illness that requires ongoing medical care. Like with other chronic diseases, those suffering need compassion and care. We are working with partners across the community to make this happen. 

Local resources do exist. We have multiple substance use treatment providers including Family & Children’s Counseling Services, Beacon Center and Syracuse Recovery Services located in Cortland. 

The COTI Program is here to help! 

The Center of Treatment Innovation (COTI, part of Family & Children’s Counseling Services), goes out and reaches those individuals wherever they are in Cortland, Madison and Herkimer counties. They bring hope directly to them and their families. In many cases, they can get individuals on the road to recovery within 24 hours.

How it Works

Their team are individuals in recovery who have a deep understanding of the local opioid crisis, and the barriers to successful treatment. As your initial contact, they will:

• Develop the right recovery plan
• Link you to social and other support services in your community
• Teach individuals and family members coping skills
• Help you apply for benefits
• Provide crisis support after periods of hospitalization or incarceration
• Accompany you to court appearances and medical appointments
• Engage you with formal recovery support services
• Educate you on various modes of recovery

You can contact them by phone at the Main office at (607)753-0234 or on the Program Director cell at (607)749-0014. You can also reach them by email at COTI@fcscortland.org.

There is also a Regional Open Access Center for Addiction based in Syracuse that is open 24/7. If you or a loved needs help right away and you are unable to access local resources, this is a great option. This program performs substance use and mental health assessments 24/7/365 and can help you get connected to the support you are looking for. It is located at 329 North Salina Street, Syracuse. To access services please call: (315) 471-1564 or visit their website.

To learn more about the Healing Cortland initiative and to get involved visit our website. Healing Cortland is a project of Cortland Area Communities That Care (CACTC).