Saratoga County Second Chance Program Reaches Milestone, Helps 1,000 Access Addiction Treatment and Support Services

BALLSTON SPA — The nationally recognized Second Chance program has helped 1,000 people and their families in Saratoga County access addiction treatment and support services, Saratoga County Sheriff Michael Zurlo announced this week. 

The program began Aug. 9, 2017 and created a new approach to addressing substance use disorder and strengthening the relationship between police and people suffering from addiction in Saratoga County. Through the program, Sheriff’s deputies and their partners follow up with every overdose call in Saratoga County to connect overdose survivors and their families with treatment providers and support services in the community. 

The program hit a milestone earlier this year, following up with 1,000 overdose survivors.

“It throws a lifeline to someone at what could be the lowest point they’ve known and can be the difference between life and death, Zurlo said in a statement. “I’m thankful to the Saratoga County Board of Supervisors for their support of this program and to our community partners, without whom reaching this milestone and impacting so many lives wouldn’t have been possible.”

Since its inception, the program has expanded through multiple partnerships with community organizations such as the Healing Springs Recovery and Outreach Center, Prevention Council, and Recovery Alliance in Saratoga (RAIS). 

Additionally, in 2018, the Office received New York State Department of Health certification as an Opioid Overdose Prevention Provider, allowing the Sheriff’s Office to train law enforcement and civilians in the use of Naloxone.

For more information about the Saratoga County Sheriff’s Office Second Chance program, contact Captain Dan Morley at 518-885-2403.