Packets of potentially lethal heroin – similar to the ones shown hear labelled as ‘Theraflu’ – reportedly made their way into Chautauqua County in February. (Image from CNN)
ROCHESTER – Heroin is not just a problem isolated in Chautauqua County. The New York State legislature is hosting a series of public hearings across the state to address the rising problem of heroin in both large and small communities.
The New York State Senate Heroin and Opioid Addiction Task Force held its only hearing in Western New York on Tuesday, at the Monroe County office building in Rochester. Parents, legal and medical professionals gave testimony and recommendations for the best way to deal with a statewide explosion in heroin abuse.
Officials say many people with heroin addiction start with prescription drugs. Authorities encourages anyone with unused prescribed opiates to bring them to the one of the drop-off sites the sheriff’s office runs to avoid someone in the home misusing the drug.
Western New York U.S. District Attorney William Hochul said the problem must be addressed by more than just law enforcement. Tuesday’s hearing in Rochester was the second of 12 public forums held by the panel across the state.
Last month Chautauqua County held its own forum to address the growing problem of heroin and other drugs that have seen a sharp increase in use in recent months.
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