Monroe County has made significant strides in the battle against fentanyl, with the community coming together to combat this crisis. In a recent interview, we spoke with Stan Lewandowski, a Certified Recovery Specialist (CRS), who shared valuable insights into the progress being made, the challenges that remain, and the hope for the future.
Thanks to the tireless work of local health organizations, first responders, law enforcement, and dedicated community members, the county has seen a drop in overdose fatalities from 89 in 2020 to 14 in 2024. As Stan shared, this reduction reflects the power of community collaboration in addressing the crisis head-on.
“It’s a team effort,” Stan explained. “We’ve seen firsthand how community members working together can make a real difference in people’s lives.”
But despite the progress, there is still much work to be done. The struggle to address fentanyl’s impact is far from over, and each success story represents just one small step in a much larger journey.
The Law Enforcement Treatment Initiative (LETI) program emerged from the Overdose Fatality Review Board (OFR), which brings together stakeholders to review overdose fatalities and learn from past mistakes. According to District Attorney Mike, the program was born out of necessity: past methods weren’t working, and the domino effect of fentanyl had caused too much destruction.
“We weren’t stopping the deaths, the near-deaths, or the ripple effects on families and communities,” he said. “The old approach wasn’t enough. LETI is about offering a new path forward—a better way to serve people in our community and help them recover.”
Stan, a CRS with years of experience in active addiction and recovery, plays a key role in guiding participants through the LETI process. By building relationships and offering support, Stan helps individuals navigate the road to recovery. His approach is grounded in empathy and lived experience, which has proven to be a game-changer for many.
“The journey starts with a conversation,” Stan said. “We talk about the program and what it entails. Then, we get them connected to the right resources, like assessments and treatment options. It’s all about offering support when they need it most.”
When someone is arrested and referred to the program, they are scheduled for an assessment to determine the level of care they need. If they follow through with all recommended treatments and complete the program, their charges are dropped. It’s a path to recovery, not just punishment.
From a law enforcement perspective, the message is clear: “We can’t arrest our way out of this,” said one police officer connected to the program. The partnership between law enforcement, treatment providers, peer support specialists like Stan, and community referrals is critical to the success of the LETI program.
“As law enforcement, our duty is to protect and serve,” the officer continued. “But we also have a responsibility to serve the people who are struggling. We can’t just focus on arresting people—we have to help them heal and recover.”
One of the most significant shifts in the community is the growing awareness and understanding of fentanyl and addiction. Stan shared that the stigma surrounding addiction is slowly dissipating, as more people become educated on the topic and access to treatment improves.
“We’re seeing less judgment and more compassion,” Stan said. “The public is becoming more informed, and that’s crucial to reducing overdose deaths. Our goal is to educate and reduce harm, one person at a time.”
The county’s overdose outreach efforts go beyond just responding to fatal overdoses—they also focus on non-fatal overdoses by offering resources and education. Outreach workers provide Narcan, a life-saving medication, to individuals and their families to help prevent future overdose deaths.
“We’re not here to judge or punish,” Stan said. “We’re here to help. If someone doesn’t have insurance, the county will fund their treatment. Our goal is to make sure everyone has access to the care they need.”
The outreach team also educates families, offering support and resources to those who may be impacted by a loved one’s addiction. Thankfully, the response from the community has been overwhelmingly positive.
Though there’s still work to be done, Monroe County has made important strides in the fight against fentanyl. The efforts of the LETI program, law enforcement, recovery specialists like Stan, and the community at large are making a real difference. By continuing to break down stigma, offering access to treatment, and providing unwavering support to those in need, there is hope for a brighter future.
If you or someone you know is struggling with addiction, help is available. Learn more about the resources and support programs in Monroe County today.
