Senator Murphy, community groups, join together to discuss the present and future of drug treatment

SOMERS, NY - The décor of the historic Elephant Hotel in Somers provided a lighthearted backdrop for a serious topic yesterday as more than 25 advocacy groups and drug treatment providers gathered for an Addiction Resource Round Table sponsored by Senator Murphy.
 
One of the main objectives of the round table discussion was to evaluate the effectiveness of laws and regulations relating to drug treatment and to assess ideas for future legislation. Other topics included insurance coverage, prevention and treatment. The round table also helped to open the lines of communication between community activists, providers and elected officials. 

"This is a prime opportunity to get many of the most noted experts on treatment in one room," Senator Murphy said. "We want this meeting to serve as a catalyst to help community based organizations get to know each other and establish a strategy that will have a positive impact on their effectiveness."
 
Guest speakers included Putnam County Court Judge James F. Reitz, who conveyed his experiences presiding over Drug Treatment Court, and Somers Town Supervisor Rick Morrissey, who spoke earnestly of his experiences battling the heroin epidemic in his community.