Rensselaer County Heroin Coalition

Rensselaer County Stop Heroin Now CoalitionRensselaer County has not been spared from the current opioid crisis that has been devastating the country. Since 2012, Rensselaer County has lost 169 individuals to overdoses (as of December 31, 2019). With the increase of opioid-related deaths identified in our County, the County Executive felt it was imperative to address this public health crisis with the formation of the Rensselaer County Heroin Coalition in March of 2016.

With the assistance and leadership from the Sheriff and the Public Health Director as co-chairs, the coalition has met routinely and participated in many community wide events. At every meeting, we invite guest speakers to share their expertise in topics that allow the members to gain knowledge, ask questions and network. We also have guest speakers who share their personal experience with addiction, recovery and overdose.

The Coalition has five sub-groups that meet during breakout sessions to develop ideas and proposals within their realm of expertise and interest. They include:

  • Community Education
  • Data
  • Law Enforcement
  • Legislation
  • Medical
  • Treatment and Harm Reduction

Rensselaer Recovery Help Hotline Card

  1. Composition
  2. Naloxone Now
  3. Community Resources

Coalition Composition

The coalition is comprised of County departments such as:

  • County Executive's Office
  • Department of Youth
  • District Attorney's Office
  • Employment and Training
  • Health Department
  • Legislature
  • Mental Health
  • Probation
  • Public Defender
  • Public Safety
  • Sheriff
  • Social Services
  • Veterans

Some of the outside participating organizations are the:

  • CEO
  • Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA)
  • Hudson Valley Community College
  • Law enforcement agencies
  • Local:
    • Addiction and recovery centers
    • Hospitals
    • Libraries
    • School districts
    • Shelters in our community
  • NY State Senate
  • Questar
  • RPI
  • Russell Sage
  • Siena
  • Unity House

There are also participants who are members of the local community in recovery, or who have lost loved ones. The opioid crisis does not discriminate in whose life it reaches, which is demonstrated through the diverse membership of the Heroin Coalition.