Hosted by the Center for Drug Use and HIV Research (CDUHR)
This presentation will provide an overview of the New York State Community Drug Checking program, covering key aspects such as its initial implementation, day-to-day operations, and the data analysis captured throughout the process. Presenters Lucila Zamboni, PhD and Matt Fallico, MSW explore how the program was rolled out across the state, the technologies used to ensure accuracy and efficiency, and the role of the department in supporting it. Additionally, the presentation will highlight key data insights derived from the program, offering a better understanding of trends, risks, and public health outcomes. Finally, they will discuss the next steps for expanding and enhancing the program, including potential policy changes, technology upgrades, and outreach efforts.
Lucila Zamboni is the Director of the Drug Overdose Surveillance and Epidemiology Unit in the Office of Drug User Health (ODUH). The unit conducts activities to synthesize and identify trends across overdose related information systems in the NYS DOH. Through these activities the Unit provides accurate, timely and relevant information for overdose prevention and response program development, implementation, evaluation, and monitoring. Dr. Zamboni has 15 years of experience in Public Health. She has worked at the NYS DOH for over 8 years. Prior to her role leading the Drug Overdose Surveillance and Epidemiology Unit she served as an evaluation specialist, then as the program manager for viral hepatitis surveillance. Dr. Zamboni holds a Ph.D. in Public Administration and Policy with a concentration in Public Health from the Rockefeller College of Public Affairs and Policy, University at Albany. Her doctoral dissertation looks at questions of equity in the context of public health emergency preparedness and response. She focused on different types of preparedness, local level grant allocation evaluation, and first responders' decision-making.
Matt Fallico is a Health Program Manager with the New York State Department of Health (NYSDOH), Office of Drug User Health. Within the Office of Drug User Health, Mr. Fallico’s main responsibilities revolve around overseeing the implementation and management of the New York State Drug Checking program. Mr. Fallico has worked in state government for nearly 10 years and prior to joining the Office of Drug User Health, he was the Opioid Program Manager for the Arizona Health Cost Containment System Manager within the Office of the Director. In this role, Mr. Fallico was tasked with managing over $50 million of federal discretionary and non-discretionary funding directed toward opioid prevention and treatment programs. Mr. Fallico received his master’s in social work at Arizona State University with a concentration in program planning and community practice.