MONTICELLO, NY – Sullivan County District Attorney Brian P. Conaty put his office's commitment to combating the opioid crisis into direct action early the morning of September 3, helping save the life of an individual suffering a suspected drug overdose.

Shortly after 5 a.m., as Conaty arrived for work and exited his vehicle in the DA's Office parking lot in Monticello, he was approached by a member of the public who urgently asked for help. The man explained that his friend had ingested illegal drugs and was unresponsive, and asked whether the DA's office had NARCAN available.

Conaty immediately went into his office, retrieved NARCAN from the emergency supply kit, and accompanied the man to the former Sullivan County Jail property, where they located the unresponsive individual. While Conaty remained on the phone with the Monticello Police Department to summon emergency assistance, NARCAN was administered to the victim. The Monticello Police Department and emergency services responded to the scene and continued care for the individual, who was successfully revived.

"This is exactly why our office maintains NARCAN and ensures our staff knows how to use it," said Conaty. "Anyone can be in a position to help save a life in a moment like this, and I'm grateful this individual received the emergency care he needed."

The incident comes just days after Conaty attended an overdose remembrance vigil for local lives lost to the opioid epidemic. Under his leadership, the Sullivan County District Attorney's Office has prioritized maintaining a readily available NARCAN supply and ensuring staff are trained in its administration, a commitment to public safety that extends well beyond the courtroom.

NARCAN (naloxone) is a safe, fast-acting medication that can reverse the effects of an opioid overdose.

The Sullivan County DA's Office thanks the Monticello Police Department for their swift response, and encourages residents to learn more about NARCAN availability and training through Sullivan County Public Health at 845-292-5910.