Representatives from law enforcement, public health experts, local leaders and others will study the opioid crisis and put together recommendations for the governor.
Gov. Phil Scott announced the 21 members of the Opioid Coordination Council on Tuesday. He created the group by executive order shortly after taking office early this year. He often spoke of its formation on the campaign trail.
Secretary of Human Services Al Gobeille, Public Safety Commissioner Tom Anderson and former state Sen. Jim Leddy will co-chair the council, which held its first meeting earlier this month, according to an announcement from the governor’s office.
The council is charged with coming up with short- and long-term approaches to the opiate crisis from a multifaceted approach including prevention, treatment and law enforcement. It is expected to put together recommendations and give them to the governor in October.
The council members are:
• Dr. Mark Levine, health commissioner
• TJ Donovan, Vermont attorney general
• Eugenia A.P. Cowles, acting U.S. attorney
• David Allaire, Rutland mayor
• Liz Genge, director of property and asset management, Downstreet Housing and Community Development (Washington County)
• Adam Bunting, principal, Champlain Valley Union High School (Chittenden County)
• Stephanie Thompson, vice chair of Springfield Selectboard, Londonderry town administrator, Springfield Prevention Coalition (Windsor County)
• Lori Augustyniak, executive director, Prevention Works (Washington County)
• Peter Mallary, VAMHAR staff, former legislator (Orange County)
• Bob Bick, executive director, Howard Center (Chittenden County)
• Jill Berry Bowen, CEO, Northwestern Medical Center, St. Albans (Franklin County)
• Sheriff Roger Marcoux (Lamoille County)
• Chief Clement Houde, St. Johnsbury Police (Caledonia County)
• John Delena, assistant special agent in charge, Drug Enforcement Administration
• Michael Bucossi, chief, Brattleboro Fire Department (Windham County)
• Sara Byers, president, Leonardo’s Pizza (Chittenden County)
• Debra Ricker, president, WorkSafe (Washington County)
• Judge Brian Grearson, chief superior judge, Vermont Superior Courts