Larkin: Senate’s Joint Task Force On Heroin And Opioid Addiction Releases Report And Legislative Recommendations

Senator Bill Larkin (R,C,I-39^th District), a member of the New York State Senate Joint Task Force on Heroin and Opioid Addiction, this week joined his colleagues in unveiling a report summarizing findings and recommendations resulting from forums held across the state to address New York’s ongoing heroin epidemic. The report’s findings include comprehensive legislative recommendations to address shortcomings in the state’s existing opioid prevention and treatment-delivery strategies.

“The heroin crisis has impacted countless families throughout the Hudson Valley and across New York State,” said Senator Bill Larkin. “It is my hope that this report will give lawmakers a clearer roadmap to combat this crisis while providing families, emergency personnel and addiction centers with the tools and resources needed to best address this growing epidemic.”

In its report, the Task Force identified a four-pronged approach that would curtail the growth of the heroin and opioid crisis - prying loose the stranglehold it has on New York’s communities - and support those battling their addiction on the journey to recovery:

Prevention: increasing awareness to better educate the public of the inherent risks involved in using heroin and prescription opioids, and taking advantage of technological advances available to deter the abuse of prescription drugs and prevent addiction;

Treatment: recognizing the critical need for expanded and improved insurance coverage, and enhancing access to all forms of effective treatment - including inpatient, outpatient, and Medication Assisted Treatment - in order to help individuals return to stable and productive lives;

Recovery: providing the proper supports, such as safe environments, stable employment, and opportunities to participate in diversion programs that avoid incarceration in order to facilitate successful recoveries from addiction; and

Enforcement: implementing criminal justice reforms that give law enforcement the necessary tools to disrupt the supply of heroin and stop the diversion of opiate prescription medications within the state.

“A multifaceted approach is needed to fully address this epidemic and get people the help they need before it is too late,” said Senator Larkin. “Now, I hope my colleagues in the Assembly will join us in adopting these recommendations so we can begin to turn the tide on the heroin crisis and begin to deliver resources to where they are needed.”

The full report with detailed findings and recommendations can be found at: https://www.nysenate.gov/sites/default/files/articles/attachments/htf_report_final2.pdf