ALBANY – New York’s fight against the growing heroin epidemic is gaining national attention.
On Friday the White House Office of National Drug Control Policy commended the State’s program that trains law enforcement officers to administer naloxone, a drug that can reverse heroin and opioid overdoses.
According to state health officials, during the past six months 1,400 police officers from 54 counties have attended the State’s training, and emergency responders have used the naloxone to save the lives of 38 New Yorkers who had overdosed.
To address the nationwide Heroin epidemic, New York State has enacted laws designed to address all facets of the problem, including insurance reforms to improve treatment options and stronger criminal penalties for trafficking heroin. Governor Andrew Cuomo also recently announced a new public awareness and education campaign featuring a website, www.combatheroin.ny.gov, that is designed for parents, adults and young people who are seeking help and information.
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