Senator Nozzolio Announces Second Phase of Combat Heroin Campaign

Senator Mike Nozzolio today announced the next phase of New York’s “Combat Heroin” Campaign.

 To reach an even broader audience, public service announcements will now begin airing in movie theaters across New York. Additionally, ten new “Real Story” videos have been posted to the State’s Combat Heroin website, www.combatheroin.ny.gov. The Public Service Announcements and new videos show New Yorkers sharing their stories of recovery and describe the dire consequences of addiction for individuals and families. 

“As the Vice Co-Chairman of the New York State Senate Joint Task Force on Heroin and Opioid Addiction, I am pleased to announce the expansion of our efforts here in New York State to combat the heroin epidemic,” said Senator Nozzolio.

 Heroin and opioid abuse have become an alarming problem in communities across New York State and the nation. In 2013, there were 91,000 admissions for heroin and prescription opioid abuse treatment in New York State, an increase from five years ago in 2009 when admissions totaled 76,000. During this time period, New Yorkers ages 18 to 24 and 25 to 34 had the largest increases in such admissions.

 “Over the last several years, we have seen just how devastating the effects of heroin addiction in our communities can be,” continued Senator Nozzolio. “Working with the Governor, my colleagues in the Legislature, law enforcement, and healthcare professionals across New York State, we have taken the first steps toward combating this terrible epidemic.  We are continuing to make progress on prevention, treatment, and law enforcement initiatives, but there is still much more work to be done,” concluded Senator Nozzolio.

 New Yorkers can access prevention, treatment and recovery information on the Combat Heroin website or by calling the State’s HOPEline at 1-877-846-7369. Treatment providers across the state can be found on the OASAS website at: http://www.oasas.ny.gov/accesshelp/. 

In addition, Naloxone anti-opioid overdose trainings are also continuing across the state for local community members and law enforcement. Through the combined efforts of the State OASAS, the Department of Health, and the Division of Criminal Justice Services, approximately 37,000 people have been trained and more than 1,100 lives have been saved.To sign up for naloxone training at one of the OASAS Addiction Treatment Centers, visit the OASAS website at: http://www.oasas.ny.gov/atc/ATCherointraining.cfm. 

 More information about the Department of Health’s Opioid Overdose Prevention Program is available at:  http://www.health.ny.gov/diseases/aids/general/opioid_overdose_prevention/