“The scary truth is that many heroin addicts get their start by abusing legal prescription drugs and some by simply stealing excess medication from their parents, grandparents or neighbors.   As we continue to combat the national heroin crisis, I strongly believe that as part of a comprehensive plan, New York State must take meaningful action to reduce the amount of opioid based prescription drugs sitting in medicine cabinets in every community.  Last night’s passage of Assembly Bill A.387-B and Senate Bill S.6750 is an important step that we have fought long and hard for and it begins to make it easier to return unneeded prescription drugs and safely get excess painkillers off our streets.  I want to commend Assembly Member Aileen Gunther and Senator Kemp Hannon and their colleagues for getting this bill passed in the final days of the Session and though we still have much work ahead, there is no question that this legislation will reduce the number of senseless overdoses and tragic deaths all across our State.  None of this important progress is possible without our many partners in public health led by Ulster County Commissioner of Health and Mental Health Dr. Carol Smith including the Ulster Prevention Council, Catskill Mountainkeeper and courageous individuals who inspire us to continue the fight such as Liz Berardi, along with so many others.  I want to personally thank each of them for joining me in this life-saving fight.”

Excerpt from 2016 State of the County Speech: http://ulstercountyny.gov/sites/default/files/SotC%20Exerpt%20on%20Opioids.pdf 

Link to Video of 2016 State of the County Speech: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DGWA2JOHFCg&feature=youtu.be&t=2504