We are working to create a hub of resources for you!

Whatever your relationship to opioid use, we will have resources for you. We are working to create a directory of services and resources related to opioid use, harm reduction, different forms of treatment, and overdose prevention.

Community Background

In the last 20 years, the US opioid epidemic has claimed the lives of over half a million people and impacted countless others. Cortland County has not escaped these devastating effects. From 2015 to 2017, the number of Cortland County admissions to opioid treatment programs rose from 217 to 340. This figure declined to 131 by 2019, but the county’s annual admission rate (per 1000,000) has exceeded the New York State rate in every year since 2012 (excluding NYC). Of particular note, Cortland County had an overdose death rate of 29.3, nearly 10 points higher than the New York State rate (19.8 per 100,000). As the intensity of opioid related challenges grows, it has become increasingly apparent that no single entity or institution can address all the challenges this epidemic presents. Therefore, we need a community working together across multiple sectors and strategies to reduce the number of people exposed to opioid misuse.

In 2015, CACTC was awarded the Partnership for Success (PFS) Grant through the NY State Office of Alcohol and Substance Abuse (OASAS). CACTC received a total of $627,300 over 4 ½ years with the goal of reducing prescription drug, heroin and opiate use and misuse amongst 12-25 year olds in Cortland County. Cortland County was one of ten communities awarded the PFS grant in New York State. CACTC partners collaborated on addressing the growing opioid epidemic here in Cortland County by strengthening and enhancing existing efforts such as the annual medication disposal events, increasing access to naloxone, creating countywide awareness campaigns, and increased partnerships with physicians and local law enforcement agencies. 

Since 2015, the Cortland County Health Department has increased the distribution and training for naloxone kits to community members. Over 1,000 kits have been distributed since 2016. In addition, there has been an increase in the awareness of naloxone. In September 2020, Family & Children’s Counseling Services began a push to increase naloxone to clients and community members, especially those at highest risk of overdose. The Center of Treatment Innovation (COTI) Program which is expanding access to medication for Opioid Use Disorder, counseling, peer services and case management is also now taking a lead on naloxone outreach. By providing mobile outreach, they are also able to address transportation and other barriers. 

The Cortland County Drug Disposal program has increased capacity significantly since 2015, collecting more prescription drugs every year since the beginning of the PFS grant project. Five permanent Drug Take Back Kiosks have been installed at all police departments (Homer, City of Cortland, SUNY Cortland and Sheriff’s Office) as well as at Guthrie Cortland Medical Center. In 2020, two permanent Sharps Disposal Kiosks were installed outside of the Homer Police Department and City Hall in Cortland.

Guthrie Cortland Medical Center has taken an active role in reducing opioid prescribing and has increased opioid related services in the hospital. By 2018, they have cut ER opioid prescribing by almost half. Naloxone is being dispensed in the ER, as well as buprenorphine. Local primary care providers are also taking an increasingly active role in addressing the issue. Family Health Network is now offering buprenorphine and referrals to counseling through a partnership with Family & Children’s Counseling Services.

The Cortland County Community Services Board has made substance abuse treatment and prevention its number one priority outcome in the Cortland County comprehensive plan. The Cortland County Health Department has also made substance use a priority area in line with the NYS Prevention Agenda. 

In 2019, Cortland County was chosen to participate in the HEALing Communities Study. We are excited to continue enhancing the work being done in Cortland County and across the region.