Gerace seeks pilot program that use opiate blocker

With this week's bill signing,  New York State is working on ways to combat the growing problem of heroin and opioid addiction.  Sheriff Joe Gerace is also looking at ways to deal with the problem in Chautauqua County. He says there is currently not much they can do once addicts leave the County Jail in Mayville.  Gerace says he is working with the State Office of Alcoholism and Substance Abuse Services to develop a pilot program that would use an opiate blocker known as Vivitrol.  He says it could be used as a sentencing option...

Gerace-Look at pilot program involving Vivitrol

Gerace, who appeared on WDOE's Viewpoint program, is concerned that once addicts leave the jail, they could be sending them to their deaths.  He says statistics back that up...

Gerace-Addicts have a greater chance of dying

Gerace says there are still some steps to go through including the need to obtain state funding for the pilot program.  If they are successful in getting the go ahead, Gerace feels it could be one area where an arrest could save someone's life.

Chautauqua County Sheriff Joe Gerace