(Jan. 26, 2016) On Monday, Assemblywoman Tenney (R,C-New Hartford) attended the press conference presenting the Assembly Minority’s release of The Heroin Epidemic – A Report on Heroin Use, Treatment, Prevention & Education Efforts in NYS. The report includes findings and recommendations to address the heroin epidemic after seven forums were held across the state.
“This report is essential in our efforts to combat the rising number of individuals addicted to heroin,” said Tenney. “Heroin addiction is a crisis that requires a multifaceted approach including new legislation, innovative law enforcement and better efforts to educate the public on the addictive qualities and life-threatening potential of heroin.
Representatives from rehabilitation and treatment organizations and facilities, insurance companies, law enforcement and criminal justice were invited to attend the forums and provide feedback for the report. The task force members also heard personal anecdotes from those with firsthand experience dealing with the devastation heroin addiction causes.
“It’s vital that we begin addressing these problems by meeting with the families, friends and communities most affected by this epidemic, so we can better understand and develop effective strategies to address it,” Tenney said. “That’s why we held our Task Force held these forums. As a legislator, there is nothing more important than hearing and listening to the voice of the people.”
The report can be viewed at goo.gl/iQkMtx.
For additional copies, please contact the Assembly Minority Office of Public Affairs at 518-455-5073.