Niagara County PATH

The Comprehensive Opioid Abuse Site-based Program (COAP) was developed as part of the Comprehensive Addiction and Recovery Act (CARA) legislation. COAP’s purpose is to provide financial and technical assistance to states, units of local government, and Indian tribal governments to plan, develop, and implement comprehensive efforts to identify, respond to, treat, and support those impacted by the opioid epidemic. The Harold Rogers Prescription Drug Monitoring Program (PDMP) has been incorporated into the FY 2019 COAP solicitation. The purpose of the Harold Rogers PDMP is to improve collaboration and strategic decision making among regulatory and law enforcement agencies and public health entities to address prescription drug and opioid abuse, save lives, and reduce crime.

COAP aims to reduce opioid abuse and the number of overdose fatalities, as well as to mitigate the impacts on crime victims by supporting comprehensive, collaborative initiatives. The program also supports the implementation, enhancement, and proactive use of PDMPs to support clinical decision making and prevent the abuse and diversion of controlled substances. Grantees are prohibited from using federal funds to support activities that violate the Controlled Substances Act.

The objective of Category 1 is to encourage and support the development of comprehensive, locally driven responses to the opioid epidemic that expand access to supervision, treatment, and recovery support services across the criminal justice system; support law enforcement and other first responder diversion programs for non-violent drug offenders; promote education and prevention activities; and address the needs of children impacted by the opioid epidemic. All projects are expected to involve multiple agencies and partners.

The County of Niagara will use funds to develop a Law Enforcement Assisted Diversion (LEAD) program and a Quick Response Post-Opioid Overdose Team (ORT). Funds will be used to hire staff for the Presenting Alternatives for Treatment and Healing (PATH) team that will implement the LEAD and QRT programs. These positions include a Project Coordinator, Harm-Reduction Case Manager, and two Peer Recovery Specialists. The PATH Steering Committee includes partnerships between the Niagara Falls Police Department, District Attorney, Sheriff, Department of Mental Health & Substance Abuse, community peer-supports and treatment providers. The applicant has engaged faculty from Niagara University to serve as the project evaluator.

CA/NCF