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Fighting the opioid epidemic: 'It Takes A Community'

Posted at 9:09 PM, Oct 20, 2017
and last updated 2017-10-20 21:09:13-04

The coalition, It Takes A Community, is tackling the opioid epidemic right here in Western New York. 

According to the Erie County Health Department, 162 people have died of opioid related overdoses so far this year and 112 more cases where an overdose is the suspected cause of death. 

It Takes A Community, or I-TAC, has one focus and it's on drug and alcohol prevention. 

A group of Elma, Marilla, and Wales neighbors, teachers, students, local businesses, law enforcement, and more hope to bring awareness and education to substance abuse.

The group is based out of Iroquois High School and students play an active role in the coalition. 

It's incredibly important to have students involved with I-TAC," Taylor Behlmaier, Iroquois High School Senior, said. "We see what's going on what is going on in the schools so it's good for us to report back to them."

I-TAC is hosting their Health and Wellness Fair on Saturday, October 21st at 9 a.m. at the Iroquois High School, 2111 Girdle Road, Elma.

For more information,click here.