Addiction treatment center says more resources are needed amid spike in ODs

ROCHESTER, N.Y. (WHEC) — One local addiction support center is making their voices heard, amid new opioid numbers from Monroe County.

Wednesday Day county health officials reported a record number of overdose deaths last year: 238 people.

Thursday, Randy Cimino with the Gates to Recovery center in Webster said while they’re applauding the county’s efforts to change those stats, more needs to be done to help addiction centers like theirs.

“We’re not going to stop making noise until someone jumps in and tries to help us,” Cimino said. “I’ve gone back to the county legislature as I have every month. And now it’s not going to be on some nice guy stuff. Now I’m going to explain to them that they are just standing there watching their voter’s kids die.”

The county’s Improving Addiction Coordination Team has responded to more than 220 calls this year.