Senator Bonacic Announces Joint Task Force on Heroin and Opioid Addiction

Panel will hold forums across the region to gather expert testimony to develop legislative action 

State Senator John J. Bonacic (R/C/I- Mt. Hope) announces that he is part of the Joint Task Force which will examine the “alarming” rise of  use of heroin and other opioids in New York and develop recommendations for treating and preventing addiction.

This bipartisan task force, chaired by Senator Phil Boyle (R/C/I – Suffolk County), will examine the issues and solicit input from experts and other stakeholders about addiction prevention and treatment options, as well as the rise in heroin and opioid use, and the potential for drug-related crimes and other negative community impacts.  The task force will then develop recommendations which will be used to draft legislation to address the issues raised.

“The growing epidemic of heroin use throughout New York State is alarming,” said Senator Bonacic.  “It transcends regions, race, gender and economic status.  We must do everything in our power to help stop this highly accessible and addictive drug from poisoning our communities.”

The first forum will take place on April 8, 2014 at Suffolk County Community College’s Brentwood Campus; additional dates and locations for forums throughout the state, and in particular, in the Hudson Valley, will be announced shortly.