Counselor draws on personal experience to help others in recovery

Heidi Czerepak works as a Clinical Supervisor at North Country Freedom Homes in Canton, N.Y., where she helps people build meaningful lives in recovery from substance use disorders.

NORTHERN NEW YORK – Welcome to Recovery Works, a series of Q&As shining a light on outstanding members of St. Joseph’s Addiction Treatment & Recovery Centers’ 200-strong workforce that stretches from the heart of the Adirondack Mountains to the St. Lawrence River.

Heidi Czerepak, Master CASAC, has been passionate about helping people on their recovery journey since she started as a Primary Counselor with St. Joseph’s Addiction Treatment & Recovery Centers in October 2017.

In 2020, she shifted to North Country Freedom Homes in Canton, an affiliate of St. Joseph’s, where she uses both her professional skills and personal experience to support those looking to achieve a more fulfilling, substance-free life.

Originally from Potsdam, N.Y., Heidi has a bachelor’s degree in English literature and a master’s degree in public health, giving her a unique approach to her work.

The following is her story, in her own words.

What motivated you to become a counselor?

While I was in my process of recovery, I came to realize that I had a real passion for working with others and helping others. I don’t really give myself a whole lot of credit for how I landed in this field other than the fact that I decided to go to graduate school.

What was your first experience with St. Joseph’s?

I tried to get internships, but those doors were closed and one day somebody asked me if I would speak as a recovering person over at (St. Joseph’s) Saranac Lake inpatient treatment center. I got there for the first time and walked into that big, beautiful Spirituality Center and I just felt like I was supposed to be there.

How did you learn about North Country Freedom Homes?

I was working at (St. Joseph’s) Saranac Lake inpatient treatment center, and like I said, I’m from Potsdam and my family is there, and most importantly my mom is there. I came to the realization that I really wanted to be closer to my mother. I just decided that was my priority.

I had built really great relationships with people at St. Joseph’s, and I really didn’t want to leave the agency. Someone from St. Joseph’s made a phone call and the next thing I knew I was offered an interview and then a job at North Country Freedom Homes.

How does the staff at North Country Freedom Homes work as a team to help people in recovery?

First off, we work really well together, and I think that’s the most important thing. It’s this idea that there’s the individual self-care, and there’s the collective self-care. We have a great team right now, and we work together to offer person-centered, compassionate, quality care to every individual that comes here.

It doesn’t hurt that we have an incredible, fearless leader in Jennifer Elliott (Director of North Country Freedom Homes). I learn so much from her and she really listens to us.

How does your role at North Country Freedom Homes differ from other counseling roles?

What I love about North Country Freedom Homes is that residents, in most cases, have a fundamental grasp of the disease of addiction, identifying triggers, the stuff you get out of inpatient.

When you get here, it’s more about living. How do you stay healthy with real temptations as you gain privileges to go out? So as a counselor here, I try to have those open conversations. We typically have male residents here for a minimum of six months and you really get to build a strong relationship. That’s what it’s all about.

How do maintain a healthy work/life balance?

Running is very important to me. It’s extremely therapeutic and cathartic for me. That and having healthy friends and a support network. I personally am very involved in the recovery community. I know that all work and no play makes Heidi a not healthy Heidi. I’m only going to be able to do what I have to do if I have that work/life balance.

To learn more about St. Joseph’s and North Country Freedom Homes, visit www.stjoestreatment.org.  

The Rise of Online Sports Gambling: A New Danger in New York State

Online sports gambling is available 24/7, making it easier than ever to place bets impulsively.

Gambling is now just a tap away. With the legalization of sports betting in New York and other states, online sports gambling has become a mainstream activity. But while placing a bet from your phone may seem harmless, the reality can be far more dangerous. The convenience of online gambling can lead to addiction, financial ruin and strained relationships.

Here's the risk: Online sports gambling is available 24/7, making it easier than ever to place bets impulsively. The thrill of the game and the promise of quick money can be alluring, but it's a slippery slope. Once a habit forms, it can be hard to break, leading to significant personal and financial consequences.

The Allure and Risks of Online Sports Gambling

Since the legalization of sports betting in New York State, online gambling has seen a massive surge in popularity. With just a few clicks, anyone can place a bet on their favorite team or player. But this accessibility has a dark side. Unlike traditional gambling, which requires a physical trip to a casino or betting shop, online sports betting is available at all hours, removing the barriers that once limited gambling opportunities. This constant availability increases the risk of gambling addiction, as individuals can easily get caught up in the excitement without considering the long-term impact.

Gambling Addiction: A Growing Concern

One of the biggest dangers of online sports gambling is how it affects mental health. The thrill of winning can quickly turn into a compulsion, where the gambler feels the need to keep betting, even when losses start piling up. This cycle can lead to anxiety, depression and feelings of hopelessness. Financial stress from betting more than one can afford only adds to the emotional burden, creating a vicious cycle that's hard to escape.

Gambling addiction doesn’t just impact the individual; it affects families and communities. Relationships can be strained or broken as trust erodes and financial pressures mount. In some cases, the consequences of gambling addiction can lead to job loss, legal issues or even bankruptcy. The social cost of gambling addiction is significant, and it’s a growing concern as online sports gambling continues to rise.

 Help is Available: St. Joseph’s Gambling Recovery Services

If you or someone you know is struggling with a gambling problem, help is available. St. Joseph’s Addiction Treatment & Recovery Centers offers a range of services to help individuals overcome gambling addiction and reclaim their lives. With clinics in Malone, Saranac Lake, Keeseville, and Ticonderoga, we’re here to help you take the first step toward recovery.

Visit stjoestreatment.org/gambling-treatment to learn more and start your journey to a healthier future.

Substance use and addictions counselor brings compassion, care to role

Jessica Bennett works as a team lead assigned to the St. Joseph’s Addiction Treatment and Recovery Centers’ Malone Outpatient Clinic.

NORTHERN NEW YORK – Welcome to Recovery Works, a series of Q&As shining a light on outstanding members of St. Joseph’s Addiction Treatment and Recovery Centers’ 200-strong workforce that stretches from the heart of the Adirondack Mountains to the St. Lawrence River.

Jessica Bennett, an Advanced Credentialed Alcoholism and Substance Abuse Counselor (CASAC), has worked at St. Joseph’s Addiction Treatment and Recovery Centers for eight years.

She started as a per diem employee at St. Joseph's Rose Hill Adolescent Treatment Program in Massena before quickly being promoted to full-time status and has served in various roles throughout the agency since. She currently works as a team lead at St. Joseph’s Outpatient Clinic in Malone.

The following is her story, in her own words.

What motivated you to become a counselor?

When I was younger, I was in a really bad relationship and essentially was pushed to try hard drugs. When I was roughly 18, I tried cocaine and unfortunately became addicted to it. I was in a very abusive relationship at that point and things kind of spiraled out of control. Eventually when I got pregnant, I focused more on myself, and I wanted to do better because I was going to become a mom.

I absolutely love what I do. It can be very difficult but it’s also very rewarding. You see a lot of things day-in and day-out but if you can help one person it’s completely worth it. And that’s what it’s all about.

How did you first learn about St. Joseph’s?

There’s an individual at the agency, she was in admissions at Rose Hill at the time and had encouraged me to apply there, so I did. Eventually, somebody was out on leave, and they needed somebody to take their place. I was able to get that opportunity and I was able to stay in that position because I had done well.

How does the staff at St. Joseph’s work as a team to help people struggling with addiction?

We work very well as a team. Everybody is very understanding, compassionate and kind and we listen to each other. We’re not only working to help the client base, but we also help each other.

How has the world of addiction recovery changed in the time that you’ve been doing this work?

There have been so many more people that struggle with addiction, and the more addictions increase, there’s also so many more people that struggle with trauma and mental health issues. I feel like a lot of it is often not discussed enough.

How does your role differ from other counseling positions at the agency, and why is it important?

The thing I love is getting new opportunities. With St. Joseph’s, I’ve learned, and I’ve grown so much. When I was with the Franklin County Department of Social Services doing drug and alcohol assessments, it was a very big eye-opener because I didn’t realize how many people struggle with being homeless on top of their addiction and their mental health issues.

Are there any impactful stories from your time at St. Joseph’s that you’d like to share?

One individual that I just finished meeting with is one I initially met through the Franklin County Department of Social Services. This individual has a severe addiction to alcohol, has done nothing but drink for over 30 years, and has never had any sobriety. They had never done outpatient or inpatient when I initially did their drug and alcohol assessment at the Franklin County Department of Social Services. I recommended that they do inpatient, and at that point they were very teary-eyed. They did do inpatient but came out, struggled, and went back to alcohol use. They came to outpatient and have been consistently engaging in outpatient, and this is the longest that they’ve been sober in their entire life. They’re doing extremely well. There’s so much growth in them and it’s just amazing.

How do maintain a healthy work/life balance?

My self-care is more being in my own space, my own time.

I would say mainly when I’m not at work my focus is on my family. I have three children, two of them are still at home and are teenagers, and my husband. So, when it’s warm out, we make plans to go out to the river and the kids will go swimming. It’s just very peaceful and relaxing and being able to do small family things like that means a lot to me because growing up my parents weren’t really involved; they were just focused on working. It was just kind of my brother and I taking care of ourselves essentially.

Is there anything else you’d like to say about you experience working with St. Joseph’s?

I love what I do, and I love the people I work with. Everyone gets along and we’re all willing to help each other in any way we can. And again, the growth. Going from part time to full time, and being able to become a counselor, and now being a senior counselor. Eventually I would like to be able to grow more, and I am able to do that with this agency. I have had very good supervisors who have pushed me and encouraged me along the way to help me grow my confidence.

To learn more about career opportunities at St. Joseph’s, visit www.stjoestreatment.org/careers.

15 Signs Your Child May Be in Danger of Addiction

Learn about the ”15 Signs Your Child May Be in Danger of Addiction” - Rose Hill, Adolescent Residential Addiction Treatment Program

1. An honest child starts lying.

2. an intelligent child starts making unwise decisions.

3. A motivated child starts becoming apathetic.

4. An academically well-performing child starts failing in school.

5. An obedient child starts getting into social trouble.

6. An even-tempered child starts becoming explosive.

7. A confiding child starts avoiding communication.

8. A responsible child starts acting irresponsibly.

9. Drugs and alcohol become essential to having fun.

10. A child possesses drug-related paraphernalia, including rolling papers, tin boxes, syringes, or burnt teaspoons.

11. A child rapidly changes friends or social groups.

12. A child begins abandoning social activities.

13. A child begins to show cognitive changes such as memory impairment.

14. A child begins to have unexplained injuries.

15. Items or money are missing around the house.

100 County Road 43

Massena, NY 13662

Phone: 518-891-4135

General inquiries: 315-764-9700

admissions@stjoestreatment.org

Staffed: 24/7

Speak to a Peer: (518) 354-5390

Mohawk Tribe Inpatient Residents from the Akwesasne Reservation Perform Self Directed Spiritual Renewal Each Morning at Sunrise

Residents and staff fortunate enough to be near the patio at our Inpatient facility early each morning at sunrise might hear Dallas C., Chadwick S., and Jerome M., members of the Mohawk tribe from the Akwesasne Reservation, performing a deeply meaningful ceremony.

Smudging, which is a celebration of spiritual purification and thanks, uses the smoke from sage burned in an abalone shell and spread with an eagle feather. The ritual of renewal has been performed by members of the Mohawk tribe for centuries.

Chadwick, who is nearing completion of his 90-day program, and Dallas, who has been here for two months, share, “We give thanks and purify ourselves through blowing the sage smoke on us, head to toe, and then we say our morning prayers. We give thanks to people and ask that we all put our minds together as one. Then we pray to the thunders, stars, water, food, plants, sunrise, turtle, fish, animals, trees, food, tobacco, ceremonies, medicine, grandfather, ceremonies, and finally the Creator.”

The process of saging not only purifies but encourages positive emotions and leaves one with a calm feeling.

“People also use smudging to purify their homes. We’d like to sage the entire building here,” Chadwick smiles. Dallas says, “We do this daily outside since we’ve been in rehab, and this keeps us going. It keeps us in touch with our Higher Spirit, the Creator.”

Chadwick, who learned the ceremony from generational teaching, continues, “It opens up our minds to think clearly. After we do the opening prayers, I’ll put some tobacco on top of the sage, and we say our personal prayers for our families for strength, wisdom, and positive direction. I also pray for everyone here, the residents and the staff and all of those we’re getting to know as friends."

By praying to our Higher Power, we keep our minds positive which helps us in our work here,” says Dallas.

The ceremony ends with the singing of the Friendship Song (below), which Chadwick and Dallas have graciously sung for all in our community to enjoy.

I appreciate the willingness of Chadwick and Dallas to share and enlighten other residents and staff about a spiritual and cultural tradition that has had a long presence in the North Country.

Considering the Facts

“Getting Vaccinated Is the Right Thing To Do”. - St. Joseph’s Interim Medical Director, Dr. Charlie Morgan

We have all heard that the COVID 19 vaccines are effective in preventing people from getting infected with the virus and that they are effective in preventing people from getting sick, needing hospitalization, and dying from the virus. More recently, we have been hearing on the news, and in other places, concerns about the Delta variant which is a COVID virus that has mutated and is a new variety.

In parts of the country, people who had previously decided not to get vaccinated, are now changing their minds and are getting vaccinated. Why would that change be happening? What do these people know now that is making them decide to take the vaccine?

The Delta Variant of the COVID 19 virus has become the prevalent strain in the United Kingdom and India, and it is now spreading in the United States. In fact, in some parts of our country it is the dominant strain. The Delta Variant is what we are seeing that is infecting people who are not vaccinated. The problem is that this variant is more infectious and more easily transmitted than the original COVID 19 virus, which as we all know resulted in tragic outcomes for our nation and our people. The Delta Variant is thought to be 43 to 90% more transmissible and 30 to 90% more infectious than the original strain. To make the problem even worse, it also can make some people sicker, and it is affecting younger people.

Vaccination has resulted in very significant reduction in death and harm from the original virus. However, some people are not vaccinated, and these seem to be the people who are more likely to become seriously ill when they get the Delta variant. Some have even required hospitalization and treatment in the ICU.

One of the problems is that the infection can be mistaken for a common cold, since loss of taste and smell and cough, which helped medical professionals diagnose COVID with the original strain, are far less common with the Delta Variant. This difference can result in people not quarantining or getting care for COVID, which results in the spread of the disease to others, since they don’t even know they have a strain of COVID that can make others very sick.

The good news is that there is a solution to these issues. We are gaining new information about COVID in general, and particularly about the Delta Variant all the time. One of the latest pieces of information is that even people who are vaccinated can get the Delta Variant, however, those who are vaccinated and get the Delta Variant are far less likely to get seriously sick. Recent data indicate that the Pfizer vaccine gives people 79% protection from getting the Delta Variant. The Pfizer vaccine is also 88% effective in preventing symptoms in people when they do get infected, when people have completed both doses. The Astra Zeneca vaccine prevents hospitalization in 92% of those who are infected with the Delta Variant. Best of all, no one died from the Delta Variant who was vaccinated!

Some myths have caused people to be hesitant to take the vaccines, such as that the vaccine causes infertility. This is simply not true. Other information has been more subtle in causing reluctance among people. Such information includes possible side effects, like myocarditis (an inflammation of the heart muscle) or Gullain Barre Syndrome (a rare disorder in which your body's immune system attacks your nerves). These side effects have been noted, but they occur very rarely as complications of the vaccine, so getting vaccinated actually protects people from getting these syndromes. Moreover, in the case of myocarditis, for instance, as a side effect of the vaccine, when it occurs, it is usually mild and resolves within a few days of rest and maybe some ibuprofen. When myocarditis occurs as a result of getting COVID, on the other hand, it can be serious and life-threatening with lasting consequences. The best thing people can do when they have these sorts of concerns, is to discuss them with their healthcare provider. In almost every case, people will learn that getting vaccinated will protect them from getting the virus and getting seriously ill and will and be far less risky than contracting the virus itself. Put simply, the benefits of getting vaccinated far outweigh the risks of not doing so.

Some people are reluctant to get the vaccines because they wonder whether it’s safe to get them because the vaccines were developed rapidly. We have given them to millions and millions of people, and these numbers far exceed any clinical trial that has ever been done. Medical professionals everywhere agree that they are safe and that getting vaccinated is the right thing to do.

Largely due to the Delta Variant, almost 70% of counties in the US now meet the criteria for resuming masking. If the Delta Variant gets a hold in our population, it could lead to more mutations of the virus, some of which might be resistant to the vaccines we have available. This could be disastrous. For our families, friends, colleagues and communities, getting vaccinated will help to prevent those mutations which might result in another devastating pandemic, with all the difficult consequences with which we have become all too familiar, like shut-downs of our businesses, inability to see our loved ones, restrictions on travel, no school attendance for our kids, and other things that we are now getting relief from as our nation opens back up.

We need to get the Delta Variant contained soon. We know that sunlight kills COVID viruses, and we are approaching fall when daylight hours will decrease.

Furthermore, for those who come to us for hope and healing, people with active addiction are nine times more likely to get COVID than those without addiction and are much more likely to get sick and to die from COVID. In addition, the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) recent reported that overdose deaths soared to a record 93,000 last year in the midst of the COVID-19 pandemic, which far eclipses the high of about 72,000 drug overdose deaths reached the previous year and amounts to a 29% increase.

Although information regarding COVID 19 changes rapidly, for example, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) is working as quickly as possible to review applications for full approval of the COVID-19 vaccines from their current emergency use authorization, the recommendation to get vaccinated remains consistent and considering all of these facts, it is easy to conclude that getting vaccinated makes a great deal of sense and is the right thing to do.

Follow the Science

On Legalization of Recreational Marijuana, by Dr. Charles Morgan, MD

With the New York State Legislature seriously considering legislation to legalize marijuana for recreational, adult use in New York, I submit the following thoughts for readers' consideration.

The coronavirus pandemic has resulted in people acknowledging more than ever the importance of scientific knowledge. We now hear from all directions statements like, "What does the science tell us?" Some of our leading politicians commonly say, "Follow the science." At the same time, we are hearing some of these same politicians in New York state call for the legalization of marijuana. That being the case, one might ask what the science tells us about marijuana and THC, the main psychoactive compound in cannabis.

Here are some of the scientifically proven facts:

Cannabis is much more potent today than in the past. In 1995, the content of THC in the marijuana plant was about 4%. Not only has the amount of THC increased in the plant, but the average amount of THC in products sold in dispensaries can vary from about 17.7% to 23.2%. Concentrated products may contain over 75% THC.

Detrimental effects of cannabis start before birth. THC crosses the placenta and gets into breast milk, resulting in fetal growth retardation, low birth weight and premature birth.

Use of cannabis in adolescents predisposes them to the use of other drugs in later life as well as decreased academic achievement and increased dropout rates from school.

In addition, use of cannabis by adolescents is associated with increased rates of suicide and later development of serious mental illness, such as schizophrenia, especially in those who are predisposed. Even though cannabis is commonly thought of as "mellowing one out," it is actually associated with an increase in anxiety disorders.

The percentage of eighth- and 10th-graders who used cannabis daily increased significantly between 2017 and 2019, with a significant increase in those vaping cannabis in middle and high school students.

When people who have a history of trauma use cannabis, they actually have an increased risk of developing PTSD.

Although some proponents of legalization have stated that cannabis can help some mental disorders, the American Psychiatric Association says, "There is no current scientific evidence that cannabis is in any way beneficial for the treatment of any psychiatric disorder. Current evidence supports, at minimum, a strong association of cannabis use with the onset of psychiatric disorders."

Use in adolescence can result in decreased IQ and other intellectual impairments which may be long lasting and persistent.

Adverse effects do not just result from smoking marijuana. In fact, edibles, which can be a form that THC takes when legalized, have a higher concentration of THC and result in more emergency room visits than marijuana that is smoked.

Multiple studies have shown that cannabis use impairs motor function, judgment and reaction time, all of which need to be intact to safely operate a motor vehicle. Blood levels of THC and impaired driving have been shown to be directly related. It has even been associated with fatal automobile crashes.

The American Lung Association has stated that marijuana use clearly damages the lungs, and the American Heart Association's Scientific Statement says that marijuana use leads to cardiovascular disease.

According to the American Society of Addiction Medicine, surveys indicate that between 9.3% and 30.6% of Americans who use cannabis have cannabis use disorder or addiction to cannabis, and 23% of these have severe addiction.

Although various entities have touted marijuana's therapeutic effects for various medical conditions, the National Academies of Science, Engineering and Medicine found substantial evidence for effectiveness only for chemotherapy-induced nausea and vomiting, spastic multiple sclerosis and chronic pain. But other scientific studies showed that the benefits for neuropathic pain might be outweighed by the harm done by the use of cannabis. (Epidiolex is approved to treat specific seizures and contains a high concentration of cannabidiol, the other major component of cannabis.)

In 2017, the American Journal of Public Health published an article stating, "The most effective way to avoid any risks of cannabis use is to abstain from use."

A study by the Pew Charitable Trusts in 2019 indicated that tax revenue from legalizing marijuana has proven to be unreliable in states that have done so and that other sources of revenue should be relied on for the long haul.

The American Academy of Family Physicians states the following about marijuana and its legalization: "The Academy's policy on marijuana possession for personal use opposes the recreational use of marijuana. 'However,' the policy notes, 'the AAFP supports decriminalization of possession of marijuana for personal use. The AAFP recognizes the benefits of intervention and treatment for the recreational use of marijuana, in lieu of incarceration, for all individuals, including youth.' The policy also states that the Academy 'recognizes that several states have passed laws approving limited recreational use and/or possession of marijuana. Therefore, the AAFP advocates for further research into the overall safety and health effects of recreational use, as well as the effects of those laws on patient and societal health.'"

Several other medical professional organizations have addressed the issue of marijuana use and legalization, including the American Academy of Pediatrics, the American Academy of Addiction Psychiatry and the others mentioned in this article. None of them has outright recommended the legalization of marijuana, although some, like the American Society of Addiction Medicine, have strong recommendations for states that choose to legalize marijuana. All recommend that it not be used recreationally and that even for medical use, we need to be doing more research. All recommend that treatment and prevention efforts be strengthened and recommend against allowing people's lives to be ruined by such things as possession charges.

Certainly there is more to say about marijuana and there are more scientific facts. Hopefully elected officials in New York state will follow their own admonitions to "follow the science" when they consider legalizing marijuana.

Once opioids were touted to be without adverse effects, and being critical of their use was unpopular, and even criticized. Now we are suffering because of the opioid epidemic, with countless deaths of our loved ones. It turns out that the science never supported the level of prescriptions that were written in the country.

Let's not have a repeat of the opioid crisis. More thought is needed as we approach the issue of legalization of marijuana. The revenue generated by taxes on the substance may not be likely to be worth the cost to us and our children. And science has a lot to say. We should be asking the legislators if they've followed the science and then insist that they do so.

This article used the following sources which deserve credit for the facts presented. You can go to these sources, too, to learn more about this issue.

This article references numerous sources, which readers can access on St. Joseph's website at www.stjoestreatment.org under "About Us," then click "Follow the Science article."

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Dr. Charles Morgan is interim medical director of St. Joseph's Addiction Treatment and Recovery Centers, based in Saranac Lake.

A St. Joe’s Team Approach to a Community Challenge

While we have been focused on the COVID -19 Pandemic for almost all of the last year, the overdose epidemic, which rose to record highs in 2019 with 70,000 deaths, has only continued to rise.

Just one reference is a study conducted by the National Emergency Medical Services Information System (NEMSIS), which is a registry of more than 10,000 EMS agencies in 47 states. The study reports that the highest rates of overdose occurred last May and were more than double the baseline figure from 2018 and 2019, while the overall 2020 values were elevated by approximately 50%.

As we in the community of St. Joseph’s are aware, isolation, financial duress, and despair create significant risk factors for substance use disorder and the potential for overdose have increased significantly during the COVID-19 Pandemic.

To provide St. Joseph’s residents and a number of community organizations in the Tri-Lakes a “first line of defense” against overdose, the team of Associate Director of Engagement and Development, Tom Higman; Associate Administrative Director, Sarah Richards; and Executive Administrative Assistant, Christine Laird, have developed two “gold standard” PowerPoint presentations to educate St. Joseph’s staff, residents, and community members on the use of NARCAN, an “opioid antagonist” used to counter the effects of opioid overdose.

Sarah explains, “Each presentation was created keeping specific audiences in mind. For example, one presentation is geared towards training residents in a residential care setting, and another other is for community-based setting trainings.”

She continues, “The presentations have learning styles incorporated throughout such as visual (spatial), and aural (auditory), verbal (linguistic), and physical (kinesthetic) features. In addition to the PowerPoint presentations, we plan to place resources such as training sign-in sheets, and Department of Health (DOH) forms on our agency’s F:Drive for all NARCAN trainers to be able to access. The goal is to have one formalized method of how trainings are conducted and to have a streamlined process for the agency.”

The strategy includes:

• Educating all staff on the best practices and current understanding of the administration and effects of NARCAN.

• Inviting all staff, regardless of their prior NARCAN training, to participate in the online resources from the Department of Health to standardize our training.

• Making NARCAN training available through PowerPoint presentations to anyone in the broader community as a standard of information for the consistent and professional content St. Joseph’s is renowned for.

• Utilizing the Open Access Center (OAC) and expanding its role in community education by adding the NARCAN initiative there for training and kit exchange (long-term goal).

• Maintaining a list of staff who regularly provide NARCAN training, and a list of similar members of the greater community to encourage others who could offer these resources.

“We are excited to begin plans to implement our Virtual Narcan training to the community and our staff,” Christine says. “Participants will be able to register online through our website and will be mailed a NARCAN kit upon completion. We would like to be able to provide the training once a month and as needed. Community members can request a training by emailing me at christinelaird@stjoestreatment.org”

Tom adds, “St. Joseph’s is recognized as part of the Opioid Overdose Prevention Program (OOPP) through the Department of Health, which includes our commitment to OASAS regulations for all staff to be trained and for all residents and Community Services clients to be offered training in the administration of NARCAN. This commitment includes having NARCAN kits on-hand for staff, and for residents upon discharge.”

He continues, “As part of the OOPP, St. Joseph’s is committed to community education (schools, local municipalities, churches, and other community action groups). We hope to make, the understanding of NARCAN a normative cultural piece for anyone who works for St. Joseph’s. This awareness goes beyond our professional lives as employees, it is for our local communities as well, whether it’s our children’s schools, local sporting events, dining establishments, church communities, or even our own families – we owe it to all of these and more to remain vigilant. It is our hope that our efforts will also assist in reversing the stigma too often associated with opioid overdoses.”

New MAT Program at the Franklin County Jail

I am pleased to share the following news with our community regarding a new treatment program in the Franklin County Jail made possible through the work of St. Joseph’s Senior Outpatient Counselor at our Malone Outpatient Services Clinic, Shannon Curry.

The Franklin County Medication Assisted Treatment (MAT) Jail Program is a grant-funded program that helps to provide continuation of services to individuals with substance use disorder who are currently receiving medication assisted treatment.

The MAT program requires coordinating with the correctional staff, nursing staff, county personnel, and other treatment providers to maintain a continuum of care for the individuals we serve. This coordination is necessary to make sure that persons who are incarcerated have the best opportunity to continue with their individualized treatment without lapses in medication management and individual therapy.

In addition, a Cognitive Behavioral Therapy-based interactive journaling curriculum is utilized with other evidence-based practices. The journaling curriculum has been shown to have a notable impact on recidivism for people involved in the legal system.

St. Joseph’s providing MAT services in the Jail is a new element of our continuum of care which recently received a grant from the Divisions of Criminal Justice Services (DCJS). And, on August 27, the DCJS performed their first site review of the program.

As Shannon Curry, St. Joseph’s Senior Outpatient Counselor at our Malone Outpatient Services Clinic, shares,

“One of the main concerns of the review was how COVID 19 may have impacted the delivery of services and program participation. The reviewer was pleased to be informed that there has been no disruption in services and the individuals are provided treatment at this time via telehealth individual video sessions. Since the start of the program on March 3, 2020, 14 individuals have been served through this grant which was interpreted as very impressive considering the times. The review also focused on the documentation of services provided along with the fiscal compliance aspect. St Joseph’s staff and Franklin County Jail staff have worked closely with the Divisions of Criminal Justice Services since the beginning of the program and had recognized early on that with the impact of COVID reducing jail numbers, the funds for the grant would most likely not be utilized before the grant’s end-date. With significant teamwork, numbers were projected to the Divisions of Criminal Justice Services and they happily extended our grant period through September 30th of 2021 prior to this site review.

Upon conclusion of the site review, the Divisions of Criminal Justice Services were extremely pleased with the outcomes of this program and how closely and effectively St Joe’s and the Franklin County Jail staff have worked together to provide the best treatment options for the individuals we serve.

The final comment from the reviewer was “Overall, this program is doing great and if the funds are still not utilized by the end-date, we will happily continue to work on extending this grant program for the foreseeable future.”

The work required for us to realize this very meaningful addition was significant. As Director of Community Services, Robin Gay, shares, "Shannon has done an exceptional job in maneuvering through the grant requirements, the daily scheduling, and internal and external approvals and collaboration with multiple agencies to make this happen. This was no small task."

Clarkson University & St. Joseph’s Partner, to Provide Robotics Instruction to Rose Hill Residents

Clarkson’s Ted Oulundsen and Luke Gries met with three Rose Hill residents to build and code (program) robots utilizing LEGO’s Green City Robotics, a program in which students learn about robotics and sustainable living by building and programming robots to complete a variety of tasks in an imaginary community.

Walmart recently announced the expanded roll out of several technologies ranging from in-store pickup towers to help customers quickly grab their online orders, inventory shelf scanners, inventory stockers, and floor-scrubbing robots. These jobs were, in many cases, previously handled by people instead of machines.

In Dubai, home of some of the largest skyscrapers in the world, robots now routinely scale the tall buildings’ walls to clean windows.

And, this year, at the nation’s largest convention, World of Concrete, held in Las Vegas, a robotic brick layer was unveiled that can be programmed to build walls, complete with openings for windows and doors, in a fraction of the time it takes a team of humans to perform the same task.

As robotics and artificial intelligence become more common place, it’s becoming increasingly important for today’s high school students to become educated in new technologies in order to remain relevant in the workforce.

And, thanks to a partnership with Clarkson University‘s, Wallace H. Coulter School of Engineering, selected residents at St. Joseph‘s Rose Hill Adolescent Addiction Treatment Program now meet Tuesday afternoons from 3:00 to 5:00 pm with Clarkson mechanical engineering students to gain exposure to building and programming robots.

This week, Clarkson’s Ted Oulundsen and Luke Gries met with three Rose Hill residents to build and code (program) robots utilizing LEGO’s Green City Robotics, a program in which students learn about robotics and sustainable living by building and programming robots to complete a variety of tasks in an imaginary community.

“(Clarkson’s goal) is to provide exposure to this type of learning,” explains Luke. “It’s a very simple way for the residents to learn about changing technologies in their worlds.”

With support from the Clarkson team, the residents have, over a period of weeks, constructed small robots and are learning the arcane language of coding. “We use Lego Mindstorm,” Ted shares, “which provides an easy-to-learn programming model, but has a powerful program called LabVIEW (which is systems engineering software for applications that require test, measurement, and control with rapid access to hardware and data insights) running in the background.

During Tuesday’s session, the residents successfully programmed their robots to deliver a solar panel to a LEGO model home, and open the flood gates of the Green City’s dam.

Upon the successful completion of one of the tasks, a resident explained, “This is a great program because it makes use of critical thinking, teamwork, and is giving us a good sober activity.”

All of these are particularly important qualities of St. Joseph’s and Clarkson’s new partnership, as in a recent 60 Minutes interview, Kai Fu Lee, an artificial intelligence expert and venture capitalist, believes that “40% of the world’s jobs will be replaced by robots capable of automating tasks, and that both blue collar and white collar professions will be affected.”