It seems like nearly every day we hear another heartbreaking report of someone in our community losing their life to heroin or another opioid drug. The use of these dangerous substances is on the rise nationwide, and the crisis has reached epidemic proportions here in Central New York. That’s why it’s absolutely vital that we do all we can to combat opiate abuse and addiction and put an end to this disturbing trend. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reports that the rate of heroin-induced deaths quadrupled between 2002 and 2013 nationwide. Onondaga County reported a 19 percent rise from the year before in opioid deaths in 2015.^1,2 , According to the CDC, the abuse of prescription painkillers is one of the biggest risk factors for heroin addiction.³ For this reason, we need to address both heroin and opioid addiction thoroughly and effectively. Addiction to heroin and opioids does not discriminate, crossing boundaries of gender, race and socioeconomic background. It affects urban, suburban and rural residents. Overdoses have occurred in every community I represent, including Cicero, Clay, Manlius and Tully. Addicts need intensive treatment and support to permanently break free of addiction. That’s why I introduced legislation to combat this serious problem (A.9211). Under my bill, insurance companies are required to cover at least 90 days of treatment at an inpatient rehabilitation facility for patients with a doctor’s prescription. Currently, New York State law requires coverage for addiction treatment at inpatient facilities but does not mandate a minimum length of time. The 90 days would allow for patients to be fully treated and emerge from the facility less likely to use again. By giving addicts the time and support they need to fully recover, we can stop the cycle of abuse and save lives. This is only the beginning of a difficult battle to overcome the heroin epidemic facing Central New York and the country, but I’ll continue to fight for measures that help prevent addiction and deadly overdose. If you or someone you know is struggling with addiction, please call the state Office of Alcoholism and Substance Abuse Services’ toll-free HOPEline at 1-877-8-HOPENY (1-877-846-7369); help is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. You can also find out more information at the department’s website devoted to this topic at combatheroin.ny.gov. As always, should you have any questions or concerns about this or any other community issue, please don’t hesitate to contact me at StirpeA@assembly.state.ny.us or by calling 452-1115. __________________________________________