CEO Update: NYS Public Health and Health Planning Council

CEO Update

NYS Public Health and Health Planning Council

Yesterday, I was able to virtually attend the New York State Public Health and Health Planning Council meeting. It was great to see Dr. Kevin Watkins, Cattaraugus County's Public Health Director representing the Southern Tier on this meeting with stakeholders from across the state.

Lessons learned from the COVID-19 pandemic were discussed and how it is extremely important that public health and those in primary care continue to work together. NYS Commissioner of Health, Dr. Zucker also discussed that there has been a drastic decrease in the amount of cancer and medical screenings occurring to NYS residents due to the COVID-19 pandemic. It is important to ensure the public understands the need to continue these screenings, especially in our rural area, during these uncertain times.

National Prescription Drug Take Back Day

The U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) sponsors National Prescription Drug Take Back Day in communities nationwide on October 24. Many communities also have their own drug take back programs.

The National Prescription Drug Take Back Day addresses a crucial public safety and public health issue. According to the 2018 National Survey on Drug Use and Health, 9.9 million Americans misused controlled prescription drugs. The study shows that a majority of abused prescription drugs were obtained from family and friends, often from the home medicine cabinet.

The DEA’s Take Back Day events provide an opportunity for Americans to prevent drug addiction and overdose deaths. To find an event near you, visit https://takebackday.dea.gov/

We currently have a of supply Deterra and DisposeRx through a grant from the Safe Disposal Support Program at the Amerisource Bergen Foundation. If you or someone you know are in need of disposal resources, please reach out to me.