Legislative Update:

This week Governor Andrew M. Cuomo announced $10.5 million in funding over five years to support six new Recovery Community and Outreach Centers in communities across New York. Here in the Capital Region the Prevention Council is Saratoga Springs is scheduled to receive $1.75 million as part of this statewide effort.

The new centers, funded by the New York State Office of Alcoholism and Substance Abuse Services, will provide health, wellness and other critical support for individuals and families who are recovering from a substance use disorder or are seeking recovery services.

This is a critical component of the overall approach to addressing the Opioid/Heroin Epidemic we are wrestling with. As I often say addressing this crisis is a multifaceted 1,000 step journey which includes efforts in the areas of education/enforcement/treatment and recovery. This funding which was appropriated in this last budget hits on the majority of those four legs of the stool and I am confident will lead to what we all want to read and see - success stories.

For more information on the Prevention Council, check them out at their Web site.

Vital Breast Cancer Screenings Legislation is now Law

This morning we joined Governor Cuomo as he kicked off a statewide motorcycle tour to spread the message about a new law we passed last month to make breast cancer screenings are more accessible and improve insurance coverage to promote early detection (A.10679). This new law continues the Assembly commitment to safeguarding the health and well-being of all New Yorkers.

To read my full article on this legislation please visit my TU blog site!

District News:

Take away Medication Recovery System

Looking to properly dispose of unnecessary controlled substances? The Takeaway system is an easy inexpensive solution to get potentially dangerous opiates out of your house.

The instructions are simple; insert unused medications in original packaging in the envelope. Seal envelope securely and drop in a US Postal Service Drop box as postage in already paid; all for $7. Check with your pharmacy today to see if they provide this product and clean out those old medications

In the News:

Take a quick minute to check out this piece I was involved with that discusses Food Deserts and the challenges facing families in our communities.