OPRAD Contractor to Advise Health Providers

Broome County is looking to reign in medical professionals when it comes to prescribing pain killers.

County Executive Debra Preston says many times prescription drugs lead to addiction.  Preston is asking President Barack Obama for federal help in dealing with Opioid abuse by reversing Food and Drug Administration policy that allows OxyContin to be marketed to teens and adjusting the Centers for Disease Control guidelines to doctors for prescribing the drugs.

Broome County has received a $35,000 grant to pay for an Opioid Prescription Reduction by Academic Detailing contractor to make visits to 98 identified medical practice sites with a goal of providing information about reducing the risk of addiction.

The Broome County Legislature is expected to consider the selection of a contractor during its March meeting.