Given my repeated calls for help combating the heroin crisis that is gripping the city and the state, I would advocate maintaining funding for the Senior Behavioral Health Coordinator, more commonly referred to as the “Drug Czar.” Wherever the money comes from, it is imperative that a sole entity focuses all of its attention on the best and most timely solutions to assist in navigating through this epidemic.

By funding this position, I would look toward it to provide an actionable timetable for implementation of initiatives or programs, as well as clear and consistent communications with all stakeholders – law enforcement, the medical community, treatment providers and the general public.

Now is not the time to pull back from combating the issue, now is the time to seize this opportunity to collaboratively work toward tangible, long term solutions, as such I advocate funding the position, while demanding action.

Nick Willard

Chief of Police, Manchester NH

[Editor’s note: Senior Behavior Health Coordinator Jack Wozmak’s position is funded by a grant from the New Hampshire Charitable Foundation, which expires at the end of this year. The post was not funded in the budget proposal recently vetoed by the Gov. Maggie Hassan. He recently made recommendations for combating the opiate epidemic in NH.] Some lawmakers are calling for his resignation.

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