Assemblywoman Addie J. Russell, D-Theresa, has announced the Assembly’s state budget proposal includes $30 million to expand treatment services for those struggling with opioid and heroin addiction.
“Heroin and opioid addiction have had an increasingly devastating impact here in the North Country in recent years,” Russell said. “Anyone who has a family member or friend that has succumbed to opioid addiction understands the human and financial toll it takes on them and the community. It is truly heartbreaking, which is why I’ve been working to develop solutions to this serious issue.”
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention report that there are 125 deaths from drug overdoses each day in the United States. While exact numbers are difficult to nail down, health officials estimate that just over 20 people have died from heroin overdoses in St. Lawrence and Jefferson counties in recent years, with even more overdoses that didn’t result in death.
The growth of the heroin problem in the region is illustrated by statistics from St. Lawrence County Drug Task Force. The task force investigated 52 heroin-related cases in 2015, up from just four heroin-related cases in 2011. Those investigations in 2015 led to 191 felony and misdemeanor charges.
The budget proposal includes $15 million specifically targeting underserved areas and populations, and at-risk individuals. The funding will be used to provide treatment and ensure there are post-treatment services to help prevent relapses, Russell said, noting there are now more deaths from heroin overdoses in rural areas than urban areas.
Russell said while there are quality opioid abuse treatment providers in the area there are simply not enough spaces or programs - particularly programs designed to prevent relapse - to meet the skyrocketing demand.
She pointed out there are also a lack of physicians in the area that can prescribe medications to people seeking to stop using heroin or other opioids. The lack of mental health providers in the north country also provides struggles for people that are also dealing with mental health issues.
“These vital funds are necessary to protect our loved ones who continue to deal with this deadly epidemic, and I will keep fighting to make sure that North Country families have the resources and services they need to prevent further tragedy," she said.