25-1244 : Nowakowski - Addressing Behavioral Health Crises in Broadway-Fillmore

Council Member Mitchell P. Nowakowski initiated this agenda item to address a noted increase in drug-related incidents and individuals in crisis due to substance abuse within the Broadway-Fillmore neighborhood (zip codes 14206, 14211, 14212). The request stems from a significant rise in such incidents over recent weeks, with some tragically resulting in loss of life. Council Member Nowakowski has requested attendance from the Erie County Commissioner of Health and BPD Behavioral Health Captain, or their representatives, at a Community Development Meeting on July 29, 2025, to discuss available data, maps, and trend analysis concerning overdose incidents, responses, locations of incidents and fatalities, and current or planned outreach and intervention efforts in the affected area. The goal is to foster collaboration between departments to develop solutions that prioritize both public safety and public health, and to identify potential recommendations or resources to address the crisis.