Latest news with #OpioidSettlementFunds
Yahoo
3 days ago
- Health
- Yahoo
Monroe County Commission acquires drones for Sheriff's Office use for public safety
UNION, WV (WVNS) — The Monroe County Commission announced hat two state-of-the-art drones have been acquired for the Monroe County Sheriff's Office. According to a press release, the acquisition serves as a major investment in community safety. The purchase, funded by Opioid Settlement Funds and not taxpayer money, involves a compact DJI model drone for small spaces, as well as a larger unit with advanced technology. They will be used to increase the Sheriff's Office's ability in performing search and rescue operations, drug reconnaissance, response to active shooter incidents and more, the release stated. The purchase demonstrates Monroe County's continued dedication to using new technology to help them protect citizens and improve the safety of their deputies. Wyoming East Baseball Team wins the WVSSAC AA Region 3 championship The DJI model is made to be precise and agile in confined environments, making it a great tool for situations that are high-risk. It can navigate spaces such as house trailers, school hallways, or commercial buildings, the release stated. In a scenario in which an armed suspect barricades them inside a mobile home, deputies can use the DJI drone to scout the inside and locate the suspect without putting deputies at risk. In an active shooter scenario, it can provide visuals of classrooms and hallways, enabling deputies to gather intelligence and assess the threat to coordinate responses with minimal risk of danger, the release noted. The other drone, a larger model, has more advanced features such as high-definition and infrared cameras, a floodlight and a payload delivery system. The infrared cameras can detect heat signatures, making it helpful in search and rescue missions, the release stated. The high-definition cameras provide detailed visuals for drug reconnaissance, affording deputies the ability to monitor remote areas for drug trafficking without notifying suspects. The floodlight can be used to illuminate crime scenes, improving visibility for deputies. The drone is also capable of dropping food and water, as well as medical supplies, which can be lifesaving in situations that call for it, such as a hiker becoming stranded. Alderson Strawberry Festival helps strawberry lovers pick their fruit at just the right time As they were purchased through Opioid Settlement Funds, the drones directly address the crisis within Monroe County. These drones will play a critical role in combating opioid-related crime, from reconnaissance of drug trafficking sites to rescuing individuals affected by substance abuse in remote areas. By using settlement funds, we're turning a tragic epidemic into an opportunity to save lives and protect our community, all while keeping our deputies out of harm's way. Sheriff Mike Heller The drones are versatile, making them useful beyond drug enforcement in Monroe County. During search and rescue situations, the larger drone's infrared capabilities can help locate missing children and elderly residents in rural places, even in poor weather conditions, the release stated. During active shooter situations, aerial footage can allow deputies to neutralize threats more efficiently. The floodlight and high-definition cameras also assist investigations by illuminating and documenting crime scenes more in-depth, keeping evidence in-tact for prosecution. Brews and Booze Trail digital passport announced by Visit Southern West Virginia This investment reflects Monroe County's commitment to embracing advanced technology toenhance public safety. The drones will not only improve our Sheriff's Office's response to emergencies but also strengthen our community's resilience. We're grateful to use Opioid Settlement Funds to address both the opioid crisis and broader safety needs without burdening taxpayers. Jeremy Meadows | Monroe County Clerk The Monroe County Commission sees the drone acquisition as part of a strategy to implement innovative solutions into their operations. From supporting fire services with levy funds to investing in the community, they continue to implement technology-based solutions that improve the safety of their residents. 'These drones are a game-changer for Monroe County. They empower our Sheriff's Office to protect our citizens more effectively while keeping our deputies safe. This is another step in our mission to make Monroe County a safer, stronger community, and we're proud to fund it through opioid settlement resources.' Melvin Young | President, Monroe County Commission How can you help West Virginia's native bats? The drones will undergo training and certifications, making sure that deputies are able to operate them properly and that they comply with local and federal regulations. The Sheriff's Office will also put into place privacy protocols that align with federal privacy laws and state regulations, the release stated. Residents are encouraged to discover more about the initiative at the next Commission meeting or by reaching out to the County Clerk's Office. We're not just investing in technology; we're investing in the future of our community. These drones will save lives, reduce crime, and make Monroe County a safer place for all. Sheriff Mike Heller For more information regarding the intiative, contact Jeremy Meadows, Monroe County Clerk, at 304-772-3096 ext. 3 or via email. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Yahoo
23-04-2025
- Health
- Yahoo
Grand opening of new substance abuse recovery center in Westfield
WESTFIELD, Mass. (WWLP) – Tuesday marks the grand opening of a new Westfield Peer Recovery Center, adding to the growing number of centers dedicated to helping those struggling with substance abuse. This center is a step in providing support and resources for those on the road to recovery. The opening of the Westfield Recovery Center on Broad Street marks a significant milestone in the fight against substance abuse in the community. It will serve as a beacon of hope and healing for those seeking to overcome addiction. PETA to receive all records of UMass Amherst monkey lab in lawsuit settlement 'This is a rural community, even though it's very large-based,' said Nico Alicea, a Western Mass Regional Coordinator with MOAR. 'It's a rural community, we need to make sure that access to treatment is everywhere for anybody.' The goal is meeting people where they are and giving them the tools they need so they can stand on their own. The center will be helping these individuals gain access to support services, groups, and community resources. 'People are suffering, and so many people are dying because of substance use issues,' said Lois Nesci, Chief Executive Officer of Gandara. 'But this makes an incredible difference, because people feel that there is a safe place for them to be.'And the journey to recovery can look different for each person. 'If these are individuals in very early recovery or looking to get into a detox or C-assessed level of care, we can certainly help them with that,' said Chelsea Bryant, Vice President of Behavioral Health and Recovery Services for Gandara. 'Provide transportation and find those resources to maintain sobriety once they finish that level of care.' The center is hopeful that this will encourage more individuals to seek help and reduce the stigma surrounding addiction. It aims to dispel misconceptions that addiction is a choice and rather a medical condition that requires understanding and center was made possible through Opioid Settlement Funds awarded to Westfield. Half a million dollars has gone to cover the center's first two years of operational costs. WWLP-22News, an NBC affiliate, began broadcasting in March 1953 to provide local news, network, syndicated, and local programming to western Massachusetts. Watch the 22News Digital Edition weekdays at 4 p.m. on Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Yahoo
19-03-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Wichita Falls allocates $150K in opioid funds to four nonprofits
WICHITA FALLS (KFDX/KJTL) — Four local nonprofits are getting a significant boost in funding. Wichita Falls City Councilors approved the distribution of $150,000 of Opioid Settlement Funds received by the city to release. Action Against Opioids will receive $45,000. Founder Sandra Vergara said they plan to use the funds to conduct a community assessment and compile a list of the community's needs. 'We do not know what the real problem is. We hear from one side, from the other, but we really are going to be able to know and to hear those ideas, how we are supposed to do it,' Vergara said. East of the Falls Community Development $4,400. 'We're hoping that from here on out, we can collaborate and partner with the city on other ideas and plans to make sure that our city can become drug-free,' member Valerie Rhodes said. Helen Farabee Centers $85,600. 'Innovative things, because I think it's going to take some different approaches in combating, especially this fentanyl, problem that we have,' Brad Fisk said. And, Homeless Lives Matter $15,000. A boost founder Lisa Roffman said is huge since the nonprofit is still in its infancy. 'We are really reaching a lot of people—25 to 30 a day, which accounts to be about 700 a month. We're doing our part not only in that building, but we're also doing the part on the street and making our way around Wichita Falls [for] awareness for the opiates,' Roffman said. All four nonprofits expressed gratitude to the council for their funds. Councilors Jeff Browning, Michael Battaglino, and Robert Brooks were the subcommittees who heard from applicants and finalized funding recommendations. The four nonprofits will receive their funding within the next 30 days. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
