State Senator Peter Oberacker and Assemblyman Chris Tague toured the former Summit Shock Incarceration Facility Thursday and discussed plans to convert the complex into a long-term addiction treatment facility.
Senator Peter Oberacker, who serves as ranking member on the Senate Committee on Alcoholism & Substance Abuse, also invited committee chair Senator Pete Harckham to join the tour.
“Addiction knows no economic or geographic boundaries, and it certainly does not care about political affiliation,” said Senator Oberacker.
“People are hurting and we need to find a solution before more lives are lost. Long-term treatment beds are desperately needed and Assemblyman Tague and I are dedicated to finding a solution that will help treat this public health crisis.”
“Living with addiction can be an isolating experience, and for somebody living in a rural community, that isolation can become compounded and dangerous to their well-being,” said Assemblyman Tague.
“Converting this space into a long-term treatment facility would help give health and hope to residents of Schoharie County and beyond who have been unable to obtain the support they need. Losing just a single one of our neighbors to an overdose is one too many, so putting this plan into action should be a top priority for us all.”
“Access to treatment, especially in rural areas, has always been a significant roadblock and the hurdles are even steeper today. Transportation and technology shortcomings, lack of awareness and education, along with a shortage of long-term treatment facilities and providers are just a few of the concerns that a facility in Schoharie County could help address,” added Senator Oberacker.
Along with serving as ranking member on the Senate Committee on Alcoholism & Substance Abuse and was also recently named to the Senate Joint Task Force on Opioids, Addiction and Overdose Prevention.