Press Release - Senator Bonacic Hosts Heroin Task Force Forum in Monticello

Senator Bonacic To Host NYS Senate Task Force Forum on Heroin and Opioid Addiction 

Representatives from local law enforcement, health, and

treatment and recovery to participate 

May 9, 2014 at the Sullivan Government Center

Senator John  Bonacic (R/I/C – Mount Hope) announced that he will host an afternoon forum on Heroin and Opioid Addiction on Friday, May 9, 2014 at the Sullivan County Government Center, 100 North Street, Monticello from 2 to 4 pm. 

The forum will include representatives from areas in  local law enforcement, health, and treatment and recovery, in an effort to solicit input on the rise in the use of heroin and opioids, and to develop legislative recommendations for treating and preventing addiction and its consequences. 

“In an effort to better understand the heroin epidemic, I am pleased to gather these experts in one room and hear their experiences and suggestions to help combat this alarming situation,” says Senator Bonacic.  “Heroin addiction affects everyone, it transcends regions, race, gender and economic status, from our kids on up, and only by learning from these informed professionals can we begin to address this crises. We must do everything in our power to help stop this highly accessible and addictive drug from poisoning our communities.”

Senator Bonacic is a member of the NYS Senate Majority Coalition’s Joint Task Force on Heroin and Opioid Addiction, a bipartisan task force chaired by Senator Phil Boyle (R/I/C, Suffolk County).  Twelve forums are being conducted throughout the state and at their conclusion, the Senate task force will then develop recommendations which will be used to draft legislation to address the issues raised.

The public is invited to attend.  Due to limited seating, please RSVP to 845-344-3311. 

Participants scheduled to provide testimony include:

Sullivan County DA James Farrell

Sullivan County Sheriff Michael Schiff

Sullivan County Public Health Director - Nancy McGraw

Sullivan County Community Services - Director Joseph Todora

New Hope Manor - Executive Director Nick Roes

Catskill Regional Medical Center - Dr. Carlos Holden

Sullivan County Youth Bureau - Director Lesia Snihura

Recovery Center - CEO Izetta Briggs-Bolling

Rehabilitation Services and Support, Nolly Climes

Parent, Mr. Pete Lazier

NYS Police, Captain Jamie Kaminski