Assemblyman Chris Tague (R,C,I-Schoharie) is partnering with state Sen. Peter Oberacker (SD-51) and Sen. Pete Harckham (SD-40) to find a suitable location for a new drug-alcohol treatment center in Schoharie County.

Tague, Sen. Oberacker, and Sen. Harckham yesterday toured the former Summit Shock Incarceration Facility with Town of Fulton Supervisor Philip Skowfoe, Schoharie Board of Supervisors Chairman Bill Federice and Deb Czubak of the New York State Office of Addiction Services and Supports (OASAS), as they discussed plans to potentially convert the complex into a long-term addiction treatment center.

As the Schoharie County community has had to bear the loss of several residents throughout the last several years to overdoses, Tague argues that rural areas cannot be ignored or underserved as legislators work to bolster treatment and recovery efforts.

“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 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.”

“Addiction knows no economic or geographic boundaries, and it certainly does not care about political affiliation,” said Sen. 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. I truly thank Sen. Harckham for traveling to Schoharie County and offering his assistance moving forward.

“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 Sen. Oberacker.