Three North Country representatives in the Assembly Minority Conference released their findings and recommendations to address the state heroin epidemic at a press conference Monday in Albany.

Assemblyman Ken Blankenbush (R-Black River) and his colleagues in the Assembly Minority Conference released their findings and recommendations to address the heroin epidemic in New York State.

Assemblywoman Janet Duprey (R-Peru) spoke at the press conference addressing the widespread heroin epidemic impacting New York State.

Assemblyman Marc W. Butler R-Newport said “heroin is devastating our communities and families throughout the region and state, and we must work together to treat those with addictions with dignity and the right kind of care so they can begin their journey to recovery.

The Heroin Epidemic – A Report on Heroin Use, Treatment, Prevention & Education Efforts in NYS was composed after Assembly Minority members held several forums across the state and gathered testimony from those impacted by heroin.

Blankenbush

“Today, we took a powerful first step toward remedying the devastating, widespread heroin epidemic afflicting our communities,” said Blankenbush.

Blankenbush's 117th Assembly District covers most of western St. Lawrence County, including Gouverneur.

“The honest, emotional testimonies we heard in our forums provided us with an opportunity to open up the dialogue and work together to find solutions to this horrible addiction. Hopefully, this report will serve as an outline for New York State to work with our communities to battle this epidemic together and ease the suffering of those affected.”

The Assembly Minority Conference Task Force on Heroin Addiction held seven statewide forums last year to gather testimony from local officials, law enforcement, health care providers, recovering addicts, and parents of addicted individuals.

Blankenbush hosted one of the forums, held in Carthage.

Duprey

“We need to take action to protect our communities from this devastating epidemic and provide those suffering from addiction with much-needed resources to be rehabilitated,” said Duprey.

She represents the 115th Assembly District. It covers a slice of eastern St. Lawrence County, from Brasher to Piercefield. It also includes Franklin and Clinton counties, including Plattsburgh.

“Opening up the dialogue and hearing from those personally affected was an important step forward in combating this epidemic and finding a remedy together. I am confident that if we work together and treat this issue with the thoughtfulness and compassion it deserves, we will be able to ease the suffering of those affected and prevent future widespread heroin abuse,” she said.

Duprey hosted a forum in Plattsburgh.

Butler

“I am pleased with the recommendations developed by the Task Force on Heroin Addiction & Community Response,” Butler said.

“I believe this will help us address heroin and opioid addiction in New York.”

Butler represents the 118th Assembly District. It includes a piece of southern and central St. Lawrence County from Fine to Norfolk.

The task force report, “The Heroin Epidemic: A Report on Heroin Use, Treatment, Prevention & Education Efforts in NYS” outlined a number of solutions such as increasing education, making detoxification programs more accessible and affordable, strengthening post-detox rehabilitation programs, toughening laws on drug dealers, better training for law enforcement, and reviewing insurance and parity laws for treatment and services for people with addictions. A copy of the report can be accessed here: goo.gl/iQkMtx.

The HELP (Heroin ELimination & Prevention) Plan, suggests the following recommendations:

• Provide drug and heroin education

• Create support tools and advocacy programs

• Increase funding and improve methods for treatment and recovery

• Reevaluate insurance parity laws and reimbursement rates

• Criminal justice and judicial improvements

• Improve connections between correctional system and addiction services