Assemblyman Matt Slater (R,C-Yorktown) has joined a bipartisan coalition in urging the governor to declare a state disaster emergency regarding the opioid epidemic. In 2022, New York witnessed approximately 6,670 overdose deaths, over 10,000 emergency room visits due to overdoses, and more than 70,000 admissions to substance use disorder programs. Currently, 19 New Yorkers succumb to preventable opioid overdoses every day, highlighting the critical need for the state to prioritize public health and implement proactive measures to save lives.

By declaring a State Disaster Emergency, the overdose crisis will receive attention not only from public health organizations but also from members of the state and local legislatures, agencies, executives, and the public, making it a top priority for collective action.

“This is a tragedy of unbelievable proportions, which is why I fully support declaring a state disaster emergency. This affects everyone in New York—every town, city, and district. We have children, parents, and grandparents dying every day because of this epidemic, and it has to stop,” said Slater.

Recognizing the staggering number of daily deaths, Slater has worked alongside Putnam County District Attorney Robert Tendy, Putnam County Assistant District Attorney Breanne Smith, and Putnam County Sheriff Kevin McConville to craft significant legislation, Slater’s “Death by Dealer” (A.7985), aimed at cracking down on the use and trafficking of fentanyl in the Hudson Valley region.

“Working together with our colleagues on both sides of the aisle is the only way to get things done, and both sides strongly urge Gov. Hochul to not only read this letter but also take action on it,” concluded Slater.

*Click here to read the letter sent to Gov. Kathy Hochul*