Joint Senate Task Force on Heroin and Opioid addiction to hold public meeting at Binghamton University

Senators Fred Akshar and fellow co-Chairs George Amedore and Chris Jacobs of the Joint Senate Task Force on Heroin and Opioid Addiction will be holding a series of forums throughout the state to continue to examine the issues faced by the state due to increased heroin and opioid abuse. 

The first of these forums will be held at Binghamton University on Tuesday, Feb. 6, from 5 to 8 p.m. in Binghamton University’s Innovative Technologies Complex, Center of Excellence Building, Rotunda, located at 85 Murray Hill Rd. in Vestal. 

The forum will serve as an opportunity to hear from local stakeholders in the community including providers, law enforcement, educators and family members in order to formulate further recommendations for legislative action.

Over the past two years, the Task Force has traveled across the state holding public meetings to gather information in an effort to shape legislative action. In 2016, the Task Force held a similar meeting at Chenango Valley High School. Senator Akshar is glad to see the Task Force return to his home community of the 52nd Senate District to further assess the needs of the Southern Tier. 

Senator Fred Akshar stated, “ In my previous career as an undercover narcotics investigator, I witnessed families being ripped apart by heroin addiction. As a Co-Chair of the Joint Senate Task Force, I’m proud of the work we’ve accomplished so far that focuses on prevention, treatment and recovery, education and enforcement. There is no silver bullet, and we must continue to listen to families and communities across the state to identify needs so we can help direct the appropriate resources and craft comprehensive legislation to continue fighting this scourge. The heroin epidemic did not arrive at our doorstep overnight, and it won’t be eliminated overnight either. It knows no social or economic class, no race or creed. We need to continue working together as a state to fight this problem. Lives and families across New York depend on it.”

“New York State continues to be the leader in the fight against heroin and opioid addiction,” said Senator George Amedore. “It is imperative that we continue to bring attention to this issue and work to ensure that all New Yorkers who struggle with addiction will be connected to treatment and recovery services. These forums will provide the Task Force valuable insight on the most effective ways to improve prevention and education efforts, remove insurance barriers, and make treatment options more readily available.”

“The Heroin and Opioid Addiction Task Force is committed to improving upon the gains we made last year in providing funding for treatment, implementing proven methods of recovery services and providing law enforcement with the tools they need to disrupt the flow of illegal substances,” said State Senator and Task Force Co-Chair Chris Jacobs. “I am confident that the upcoming hearing in Binghamton will provide valuable insights that will inform our policy decisions and help determine where our resources will have the greatest impact.”

While oral testimony presentation spots have been filled, the public may submit written testimony to the Task Force via email to Akshar@NYSenate.Gov.