Join us this week at our meeting with guest speaker Lt. Ryan Macherone, Schenectady Police Department Spokesperson, Office of Neighborhood Engagement. Join leaders from the City of Schenectady Police Depart and Schenectady County Office of Community Services to learn about diversion and deflection programming in Schenectady, especially Schenectady Cares and the Schenectady Hub. The Cares Program began in 2019 and opened the doors of the police station to anyone looking to connect with addiction services, without fear of arrest or investigation. It’s harm reduction-based, so services range from access to safe syringes and naloxone, to help accessing inpatient care. It also helps connect people to services post-overdose. Since it began, about 1,800 referrals have been made to New Choices and Catholic Charities, and we had a 40% reduction in overdoses in 2024. The Hub began in 2023 and brings together about 20 different service providers to help those most at-risk in the community, usually due to homelessness, mental illness, and substance use. The Cares Program is overseen by the Schenectady Police Department and is closely supported by the Schenectady County Office of Community Services and the Hub built upon it and is a true management collaborative between the Schenectady County Office of Community Services and the Schenectady Police Department.
December 11th Rotary Club Speaker
