ONEONTA – State Senator James Seward (R-Oneonta) is spearheading a local charge to gather community input regarding the local heroin epidemic.
Seward, along with his Senate collogues appointed to the state’s Joint Senate Task Force on Heroin and Opioid Addiction, will host a roundtable discussion to solicit ideas and suggestions from community members and stakeholders next Tuesday, Feb. 23, from noon to 2 p.m. inside the Hunt Union Ballroom at SUNY College at Oneonta.
The roundtable discussion will include insights from local health professionals, law enforcement, and experts in addiction, all sharing their concerns over the heroin crisis and what steps state officials can take to minimize its impact.
According to Seward, events like this are essential in the decision-making process to combat heroin.
“In 2014, I conducted a similar task force hearing in Oneonta and the testimony was instrumental in helping develop a number of new state laws to educate the public about the dangers of heroin, improve treatment options, and aid law enforcement officials,” Seward said in a statement released last week. “This will be an opportunity to review what is working in our communities and identify gaps in service as we explore additional measures to contend with this public health crisis.”
The public is welcome and encouraged to attend and observe the proceedings; and while pannel members are by invite only, everyone is welcome to submit written testimony.
The Task Force on Heroin and Opioid Addiction was created to examine the rise in use of heroin and other opioids in New York State, and make recommendations for additional prevention and treatment. The committee is comprised of legislators representing all parts of New York State, including newly elected State Republican Senator Fred Akshar who now represents the state’s 52nd Senatorial District.
Last week, lawmakers appointed Akshar to the task force, citing his 15-years in law enforcement and former experience as an undercover narcotics investigator as an invaluable asset in the fight to stop the heroin epidemic.
“I’ve seen firsthand how the stunning and rapid surge in heroin use and overdose deaths has ripped apart families and destroyed lives across our community and our state,” Akshar said. “Law enforcement can’t solve this problem alone. Parents, families, schools, neighbors, health professionals and state government each have a role to play. As a member of this task force, I’ll continue working to bring together these resources, provide support and find solutions to save lives and protect our communities.”
After getting feedback from experts and other community stakeholders about addiction prevention and treatment options, the Task Force on Heroin and Opioid Addiction develops recommendations used to draft legislation to address highlighted issues.