Broome County has created a new position to help fight the opioid epidemic in our area.

Broome County Executive Jason Garnar and Director of Public Health Rebecca Kaufman introduced Marissa Lamphere to the new position.

Lamphere, an employee at the Health Department for seven years, has worked previously as the Tobacco Free Broome-Tioga Reality Check Coordinator.

Lamphere will monitor overdose data, work with first responders, and create strategies and programs in education, treatment, and recovery services.

She says it’s important to have someone working full-time to combat drug use.

“It’s the biggest public health issue of our time.  There needs to be a dedicated person working on this to figure out where we are going to go next,” said Lamphere.

Lamphere says working with teens as the Reality Check Coordinator will also pay dividends in fighting addiction and overdose issues.

She will also be a part of the Broome Opioid Abuse Council.