SC New York News

U.S. Rep. Marc Molinaro has called on Governor Kathy Hochul to declare a State of Emergency in response to the opioid epidemic, with a new report identifying New York's 19th Congressional District as the epicenter of the crisis. Rep. Molinaro emphasized the urgency of the situation, stating, "You can’t help but be alarmed by these grave statistics. With Broome, Sullivan, and Greene being in the top five for overdose rates in 2023, NY-19 is now the epicenter of the opioid crisis."

Rep. Molinaro highlighted the need for immediate action, stressing that the opioid epidemic is the "greatest public health emergency of our lifetime" and should be treated as such. Drawing on his experience as County Executive, he advocated for the expansion of a successful stabilization center model that provides immediate help to individuals struggling with substance use disorders.

In his efforts to combat the opioid epidemic, Rep. Molinaro has been actively involved in various initiatives:

- Fought for a designation to address drug trafficking and fatal overdoses in Sullivan County.

- Working towards expanding the stabilization center model in Broome, Sullivan, and other parts of Upstate New York.

- Hosted roundtables in Broome and Sullivan counties to discuss the expansion of treatment options.

- Introduced bipartisan legislation aimed at increasing access to Narcan.

The congressman emphasized the importance of deploying emergency funds and resources to facilitate long-term treatment and combat drug trafficking, underscoring the potential to save lives through these strategic interventions. Rep. Molinaro's call for a State of Emergency aligns with similar actions taken in states like Massachusetts, Pennsylvania, and Florida, reflecting a collective effort to address the escalating opioid crisis.