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Ulster County to join state overdose database under five-year, no-cost agreement

Ulster County Health, Human Services and Human Rights Committee · April 8, 2026

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Summary

The committee authorized a five-year, no-cost data use agreement with the New York State Department of Health to access a statewide overdose database for more accurate local tracking and resource allocation; Commissioner McDonald said overdose rates and fatalities have fallen statewide.

Ulster County legislators voted to authorize the county chair to execute a five-year, no-cost data use agreement with the New York State Department of Health to access the state’s overdose database.

Commissioner McDonald told the committee the database will provide more accurate county-level information on overdoses and fatalities, which can help identify trends and inform where to place resources. "We're looking to be able to access that information. It's at no cost. We're looking for the term to be 5 years," McDonald said.

McDonald cited state and national trends and provided numbers reported to the committee: overdoses are down about 31.5% and overdose fatalities down about 63% statewide. Staff confirmed the agreement carries no county financial impact, but because it is a contract the legislature must approve signature authority.

The committee adopted Resolution 2 96 by voice vote. County staff said emergency services supports the data-access effort and anticipated improved accuracy for local program planning.