A new program in Saratoga County helps kids battle drug addiction.
It’s a partnership between the Saratoga County Sheriff’s Office and the Department of Mental Health.

It connects recovery peer advocates with school resource officers to identify and help kids who may have a drug addiction.

The program is set to get more than $200,000 after it was approved by the Saratoga County Board of Supervisors.

Leaders of the program are trying to reach kids before they move from seemingly less harmful drugs like vapes to other substances

“As they move on to other drugs that are addictive, it’s very important that they receive the services needed to get them through this issue early in life. It’s only going to lead to more extensive drug use and other bad behaviors,” said Phil Barrett, the chairman of the Saratoga County Board of Supervisors.

“It’s very productive. I think it’s a unique partnership between the Department of Mental Health and Addiction Services and the sheriff’s office. We partner on various projects along these same lines, as well, to provide support to them,” said Dr. Michael Prezioso, the commissioner of the Saratoga County Department of Mental Health and Addiction Service.

Work is still being done to figure out how to exactly how this program will be implemented in schools, according to Saratoga County Sheriff’s Office Capt. Daniel Morley