IT'S A CRISIS

I was pleased to have the opportunity to sponsor a meeting of the Senate Task Force on Heroin and Opioid Addiction at Elmira College on Friday, May 16th.

We had an important timely discussion on the growing heroin epidemic regionally and statewide.

Strong testimony was provided by regional law enforcement officers and leaders, drug addiction counselors, treatment providers, educators, social services and mental health professionals, and other experts – as well as former addicts and current patients -- about the range of complex challenges posed by heroin including addiction prevention and treatment options, drug-related crimes, and other community and public safety impacts. 

I appreciate everyone on the front lines locally who joined us to help us zero in on the heroin crisis.  Their firsthand experience and their input is extremely valuable.  We’re going to keep working to determine the most effective combination of law enforcement, awareness and education, and treatment and prevention to try to stop the spread of heroin, better protect our communities and save lives.

Read and watch a replay of the hearing HERE...