Ritchie Statement on Legislative Agreement to Address Heroin Epidemic

It’s nearly every day that I hear from constituents who are concerned about the rising use of heroin in our state.  Whether it’s a parent looking for a way for their child to get treatment or simply a concerned citizen, it’s becoming more and more clear that we need to take real action to address this epidemic.

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Today, New York did just that when our state leaders agreed on a series of measures all aimed at stopping the spread of this deadly drug, including my bill to expand insurance coverage for treating heroin addiction.  The fight to access insurance coverage for treating heroin addiction was one of the top issues indentified at the Heroin and Opioid Abuse Forum I sponsored in Watertown last month. 

As we’ve both seen and heard, heroin is a drug that is touching all corners of our state.  With effects of increased use ranging from senseless crimes to loss of life, I’m pleased that the state is agreeing on much-needed, common sense measures that will help combat this problem.