OBSERVER Photo by Natasha Matteliano This opioid court is the third of its kind in the nation. Spearheading the endeavor are from left; Dunkirk Mayor Wilfred Rosas, Judge Paula Feroleto, Kristy Holland, resource coordinator for opioid court; District Attorney Patrick Swanson, Judge John Kuzdale, Jean Dill, chief clerk; Leeann Lazarony, resource coordinator for treatment court; Dan Heitzenrater from county executive’s office; and Ned Barone, public defender.

Too many in this community —- and across our nation — have been impacted by the growing use of opioids. In Dunkirk, however, the city is taking a step that many others are not.

Last Monday, a ceremony was held as the municipality became the third location in the nation to have an opioid court. The primary mission is to provide rapid treatment for those suffering from addiction to opioids. For these individuals, the goal is to focus in on their treatment, while prosecution of the charges against them is temporarily suspended.

“The people suffering from these circumstances are not statistics,” said City Court Judge John Kuzdale. “They are our children, our brothers and sisters, parents, relatives, friends, neighbors, and even strangers. All whom should be valued human beings.”

This court offers a chance. In today’s society, that means everything to those dealing with an addiction.