Republican Assemblymember Marc Butler says more legislation is needed to help fight what he calls a heroin epidemic in the North Country.

“Heroin has seemingly swept into our communities overnight, quietly ushered in by the increased use of prescription painkillers. This drug is infiltrating our communities and families. More and more we hear heartbreaking stories of lives lost too soon to this highly addictive and dangerous drug. Heroin’s attraction to young people has increased in recent years because of its cost. Essentially, it is a cheaper alternative to prescription painkillers,” he said in prepared statement.

Butler says he is working closely with legislative colleagues to address this growing epidemic of abuse.

He says legislation passed this year increases the punishment of opioid drug dealers who sell to individuals who overdose on the drug.

“Drug dealers are poisoning our communities and we must ensure our laws are tough enough to stop their careless, law-breaking actions,” he said.

Butler says he also supports the increased availability of heroin antidotes like Narcan.

“Narcan can revive victims of overdoses rapidly. Some of us are looking into having it be carried by first responders,” he said. “Addictions can be debilitating, but there is hope and help available. We need to, as a community, engage each other in these discussions about the heroin epidemic and what we all can do collectively to help each other.”

Butler also encouraged those who are struggling with addiction to reach out to loved ones and treatment centers for help.

He encouraged those in need to call 877-8-HOPENY or visit oasas.ny.gov/accesshelp for help with treatment and services.

Butler represents 118th Assembly District, which includes the St. Lawrence County towns of Madrid, Norfolk, Stockholm, Parishville, Pierrepont, Clare, Colton, Clifton and Fine, plus Hamilton, Herkimer and Fulton counties plus part of Oneida County.