Murphy to rep NY at national pain management conference

YORKTOWN, NY - The National Conference of State Legislatures (NCSL), a bipartisan think tank comprised of legislators from across the country, has named Senator Terrence Murphy to a national panel dealing with heroin and opioid abuse at a seminar in New Orleans next week. Senator Murphy, who serves as co-chairman of the State's Task Force on Heroin and Opioid Abuse, will represent New York State along with representatives from 12 other states.

"I am honored to have been asked to represent New York at this important conference and look forward to learning what other states are doing to tackle the growing epidemic of heroin and opioid abuse," Senator Murphy said. "Recently we have learned this war is not solely contained in New York but is a nationwide battle that needs national attention."

Last week the U.S. Center for Disease Control and Prevention released a study which showed a dramatic rise in heroin use and overdose deaths. From 2002-2004, over 379,000 Americans reported using heroin within a 12 month period. According to this new report, that number has increased to 663,000 Americans, with overdose deaths nearly doubling.

"In just six months Senator Murphy has established himself as one of New York's leading advocates for intelligent and responsible solutions which are needed to combat the growing epidemic of heroin and opioid abuse," Senate Majority Leader John Flanagan said. "In large part, due to his passion and early successes related to this issue, I have asked him to represent the New York State Senate at this important conference in an effort to partner with other states and determine what we as a state need to do next in order to reduce and ultimately end this terrible scourge."

NCSL is inviting legislators to learn about and discuss state strategies to ensure patient access to responsible pain management. Key objectives of the summit include convening key health legislators to learn more about chronic pain and responsible pain management; to give seminar participants the opportunity to ask questions of national experts on these important topics; and to identify areas of interest for legislators for further development of NCSL resources.

Founded in 1975, NCSL has provided states with tools, information and resources needed to craft legislation to address difficult problems. NCSL's mission is to improve the quality and effectiveness of state legislatures; promote policy innovation and communication among state legislatures; and ensure state legislatures are a strong cohesive voice in the federal system.

The seminar titled, "Responsible Pain Management: Managing State Risks and Rewards," is scheduled to commence Monday July 20th through Tuesday July 21st in New Orleans.