Senator Kathy Marchione: Senate Heroin Task Force will hold public forum at Columbia-Greene Community College on Wednesday, February 28, beginning at 5:30 p.m., all Columbia County residents invited to attend this important public meeting

Hudson, NY – New York State Senator Kathy Marchione (R,C,I,Reform-Halfmoon), Chair of the Senate Local Government Committee and member of the Senate Heroin Task Force, will bring theSenate Heroin Task Force to Columbia County on Wednesday, February 28, for an important forum beginning at 5:30 p.m. at Columbia-Greene Community College’s Arts Center Theater.The forum is free of charge, open to the public, and will feature an in-depth discussion of holistic solutions to combat increased heroin and opioid abuse and addiction occurring across New York State.

The public forum on February 28 will give Senate Task Force members the opportunity to solicit input from Columbia County stakeholders, including treatment providers, law enforcement, educators, and family members, in order to formulate further recommendations for legislative action. The specifics for the Senate Heroin Task Force’s public meeting in Columbia County are as follows:

Senate Heroin Task Force Public Meeting in Columbia County: Wednesday, February 28, beginning at 5:30 p.m., at Columbia-Greene Community College’s Arts Center Theater, 4400 NY-23, Hudson, NY 12534.

 “Heroin and opioid addiction are a public health crisis that has torn apart families, claimed lives and impacted countless communities. Our Senate Heroin Task Force public meeting on Wednesday, February 28, at 5:30 p.m. at Columbia-Greene Community College is an opportunity for Columbia County stakeholders to learn more about the positive, proactive steps our Senate Majority is taking to address New York’s heroin and opioid crisis. Our meeting will also shine a light on all of the positive steps Columbia County has already taken to address this crisis head-on,” Senator Marchione said.

“Our public meeting on February 28 will outline our holistic focus to combat heroin and opioid addiction including funding, treatment, education and law enforcement, along with local solutions. Columbia County has been very proactive in responding to this crisis, which is why I specifically asked that our Senate Heroin Task Force come here. I invite all of my Columbia County constituents to attend this important public meeting on February 28 as we continue working together to end this deadly epidemic and provide hope for our fellow New Yorkers struggling with addiction,” Senator Marchione said.

“Unfortunately, there is no one magic bullet solution to the opioid epidemic. As the County coordinates and maximizes its resources, all hands are on deck to address this scourge. We will not consider our work done until everyone who has fallen victim to opioid abuse receives the help he or she needs,” said Matt Murell (R-Stockport), Chairman of the Columbia County Board of Supervisors.

“The heroin epidemic is effecting the entire community. It will require agencies with different disciplines working together to fight this terrible problem. The Sheriff’s Office will continue to aggressively go after the dealers spreading this poison throughout our area. Working with our District Attorney, we will seek the maximum penalties allowed. Also, we continue to educate the public and work with our school districts, as well as sit on different task forces to advise people of the dangers associated with this epidemic. We will continue to work with Senator Marchione and her staff who has always been an incredible asset to our County. Whether it is a forum, equipment, or training, the Senator has always been there for us,” said Columbia County Sheriff David Bartlett.

“We are fortunate to have many hearts and heads coming together from both sides of the River to talk about substance use and abuse. Through open communication and information sharing, we can prevent addiction and raise up our communities, families, loved ones, and children from the devastating impacts. Addiction is a disease that deserves our attention and prevention education is a key component in the ongoing battle against substance use and abuse. Prevention programs work to improve attitudes towards a healthy lifestyle and to decrease misperceptions regarding peer substance use,” said Theresa Lux, Executive Director for Catholic Charities of Columbia and Greene Counties, Diocese of Albany.

“This crisis spans all demographics and requires community-centered solutions. Please save the date and join us on February 28 at Columbia-Greene Community College in the search for real solutions that will make a real difference,” Senator Marchione concluded.

For more information about the Senate Heroin Task Force public meeting coming to Columbia County on Wednesday, February 28, beginning at 5:30 p.m., at Columbia-Greene Community College, please contact Senator Marchione’s office at (518) 455-2381.

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