Saratoga County aims to help youth with substance use disorders

BALLSTON SPA, N.Y. (NEWS10) -- Officials have introduced a new program to provide support and advocacy for opioid and substance use disorders in Saratoga County schools. The program will connect Certified Recovery Peer Advocates with School Resource Officers to help students struggling with these disorders.

“Unfortunately, Saratoga County is not immune to the devastating effects of the nation’s opioid crisis," said Saratoga County Board of Supervisors Chairman Phil Barrett. "While abstinence remains our main message to our younger residents, we recognize the need to help those struggling with addiction. This program leverages the knowledge and expertise of our SROs who work in our schools daily and offers students in need access to an empathetic peer advocate who can help guide them through recovery.”

The CRPAs (Certified Recovery Peer Advocates) aim to enhance an individual's involvement in treatment and dedication to recovery while offering connections to community-based recovery support. This program has been made possible through $205K in regional abatement funds authorized by the New York State Office of Addiction Services and Supports.